Papanikolaou to his 15-year-old self: “You will be very sad, but you will also experience beautiful moments”

Hello Kostakis, you are 15. I’m Kostas from the future, I’m 32, so I want to tell you a couple of things about how life has developed for you so far. You’re 15, so you’ve already watched the National team win the Pan European Championship in Belgrade and you’re dreaming of what it would be like to meet those kids, not to mention play or be at that level. Well, I have news for you. Four years later you will know them all. With some you will become teammates, with others you will be rivals, and with others you will create relationships that will last a lifetime.

Know that your family is always there and will always be there. Keep loving them as you love them. They will be there to support you every step of the way. They have done it, they have proven it. They are there every day, non-stop and they love you so much.

But I have one more news for you. In this circle of the family, at some point another very important person will be added. It will start as a simple relationship, but it will be your wife who will give you the first real gift in your life, and that is your daughter.

Now, when it comes to basketball, believe me, there will be setbacks. Things will come that will make you very sad, but keep working. Keep being stubborn. Keep trying and you will get your chances. Know this. To prove what you can do and help – what has always been your dream – to help your family, through basketball. We did it.

I don’t want to tell you more, I want you to find out for yourself. You have many beautiful things to live for. Keep working, keep appreciating the people around you, listen to your coaches and work hard. Trust me, beautiful things are coming.”