By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
Thirteen years have passed since Olympiacos B.C. won its third European title and second in a row in 2013, following the legendary triumph in Istanbul in 2012.
Eurohoops met with Olympiacos’ current captain, Kostas Papanikolaou, the only player still remaining on the Reds’ roster from that unforgettable two-year period for the club from Piraeus.
“Pap” recalled an incredible fast-break sequence involving Nikola Mirotić, where he and Kyle Hines blocked the layup attempt, which eventually led to an easy basket by Acie Law in the third quarter. He also described what happened after he gave his jersey to his brother and then almost couldn’t get back onto the court for the trophy presentation.
“There’s no holding back in that moment. It’s one of those plays that can change a game. I think only Kyle (Hines) actually got a hand on the ball — he completely covered him with those huge arms. It’s a play that gives your team tremendous confidence and energy while taking it away from the opponent,” said “Pap.” He then went on to describe the moment he took off his jersey after the triumph:
“My brother had told me, ‘Please, if everything goes well, give me your jersey.’ He was sitting with my parents under the basket on Real Madrid’s side. I sprint over, take off my jersey, and hand it to him. By the time that happened, the security guards had already put up ropes so nobody could pass through. Then one of the guards grabbed me and said, ‘Where are you going?’ I told him, ‘I’m a player,’ and someone from the EuroLeague — I don’t remember exactly who — told him that I really did play for Olympiacos. I was standing there wearing only my shorts. I could have missed the trophy ceremony!”
Watch the full mini-interview with Kostas Papanikolaou on Eurohoops’ YouTube channel.
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