By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The NIL deals and young talent leaving Europe for the United States are taking their toll, even at the national team level. Spain admitted that Baba Miller can’t be available for Eurobasket 2025 due to restrictions imposed by his college.
However, that was not the case with Lefteris Liotopoulos and St. John’s College, with Rick Pitino being the difference maker.
The former coach of Panathinaikos and the Greek national team, who is also collaborating with the Greek national federation in the development of young talent, couldn’t have any objections to Liotopoulos’ presence with the senior national team.
The young guard, who is considered the future of Greek basketball in the backcourt, talked to Eurohoops about the opportunity that he has with the senior team and his ambitions.
How is the experience of being in the Greek National Team, at the senior level?
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was very young. It’s a real honor for me, for every kid, I would say. To be here with those I’ve watched play since I was little, whom I admire, and whom I have as role models. Giannis Antetokounmpo, for example, is one of the best players in the world. It’s a magical moment and I’m trying to live every minute and get all the experience I can”.
What did your college tell you when they learned that you would participate in the National Team’s preparation?
“Coach Pitino came to Heraklion to see me (ed note: during the U20 Eurobasket). We talked about it and he was very happy. Of course, he let me go and told me to go and enjoy it and get everything I can from there”.
What advice did he give you?
“What advice did he give me? To not hesitate in anything. It doesn’t mean anything that others are older – actually, everyone is older than me- that every moment is to my advantage and to get all the experience I can”.
How do you feel about being at a level in the NCAA where players your age are essentially stars and there are demands on them?
“We definitely have a top team in college basketball this year. We definitely have a lot of competition; generally, in our conference, the teams are very strong. And from every day of training, I believe I will improve because even my teammates are top-level athletes. It is to my advantage because I will improve every day in training, and I will also gain experience in games”.
There is a lot of discussion about the talents from Europe who, with the NIL agreements, leave, go to the NCAA, and it is questionable what will happen from there in their future. You, who are in this position, what do you have to say, what do you have to contribute to this discussion?
“Yes, that’s true. Now, a lot of kids have left for college. What I have to say is that I don’t know what their path will be, for all these kids. My path is to continue playing there for another three years, finish college, and then wherever the path takes me”.
Can the path take you to the NBA?
“Okay, the biggest dream is the top level, but I aim to reach my ceiling to break it and, of course, give my best on the court”.