On the occasion of today’s start of the Basket League, Mr Vangelis Galatsopoulos greets athletes, coaches and administrations of the teams participating in the championship with one of his messages. In this, he characterizes the championship that is starting as the best in recent years and, making special reference to Giannis Ioannidis, points out that this season is dedicated to his memory.
Galatsopoulos’ greeting in detail just before the first jambol of the season:
While all of us athletes, coaches, support staff, management and owners of the OEMs, and of course, the fans have been anxiously and impatiently waiting for the first jump ball of the 2023-24 Basket League, it is true that we are shocked by the news of the loss of Giannis Ioannidis.
The “blonde” was one of the leading personalities of Greek basketball, one of those who raised it and established it at the top of Europe. Always a winner and fighter he gave you the impression that he is invulnerable.
He was the “architect” of Aris in the 80s who introduced basketball to the general public of the country on unforgettable Thursdays and the one who “reborn” Olympiacos – which he led to the conquest of the first four ESAKE Championships – and AEK, while his contribution to the national team and Larissa Gymnasium was valuable.
He will be forever remembered for his love and passion for our sport. He was one of the main contributors to the promotion of basketball as a national sport for our country.
The new Basket League for the 2023-24 season is dedicated to his memory.
The 32nd Professional Championship begins with very good conditions in order to offer the fans a rich spectacle, competitive matches and intense emotions.
All the 12 teams of the 32nd Professional Championship have been strengthened, Greek and foreign players with many team and individual awards are on their rosters, coaches with experience at the top level of Europe or with a remarkable track record are at the “helm” of the Basket “gladiators” League.
The new format of the Championship gives teams a second chance to improve their standings before the start of the PlayOffs and increases the competitive matchups.
The KAE of the Basket League, in addition to improving the quality of the sports spectacle, ensure the better reception of the fans in the stadiums, with the ESAKE having established a Technical Committee in order to guide the teams towards the improvement of their field facilities.
The Championship’s Central Television Rights Management is being consolidated after nearly two decades, which works in favor of all Basket League OEMs.
We are marching together for a better Championship and it is characteristic that the Board of Directors of ESAKE unanimously decided to facilitate Karditsa JAPONIKI, due to the disaster that hit the city and the wider area of ​​Thessaly, giving the possibility for a mutual transfer of the headquarters in the first matches of the regular season period that according to the lottery, should give to her field.
ERT has established itself as the home of basketball and will broadcast the action of the Basket League to all Greek homes in Greece and abroad. We thank ERT as well as the sponsors of ESAKE, the sponsors and supporters of the OEMs and their owners for their valuable support.
Above all, we thank the fans who will transmit their energy and rhythm to the teams so that we can experience and watch a wonderful Championship!
Health and success to all OEMs and fans!
Evangelos Galatsopoulos
President of the Board of Directors of ESAKE
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
