It has only been two years since one of the greatest players in Europe retired from active duty. VSpan spent one year learning the managerial basics. Then he shed the uniform of the basketballer to replace it with the suite of the head coach. He got his first job right away and already he made a great difference after just a few matches. And already the best Asian and European bookmakers, have modified the odds for his club reflecting the status that seems to be forming.
The discussion is, of course, about Vassilis Spanoulis. The personality that forced all the matches that were played all over Europe to be interrupted when he broke the record for the most points scored. Forcing every one (players and fans) to applaud the accomplishment.
A heavy baggage
Kill Bill, as he has been dubbed by his countrymen, holds three all-time European records: top scorer, top passer, performance index racing leader. It would take many pages to list all of his other accomplishments, and it is not the topic of this discussion. What is, is the fact that people expect VSpan to do at least as well (if not better) in his new post as head coach. And so far, that does seem to be the case.
Peristeri B.C. is the first club that entrusted Spanoulis to lead the team. Interestingly, it’s one of the European clubs whose sponsor is bwin. They have only played 2 matches under their new legendary coach and, while the number is not so indicative of the improvement, it is clear from the performances on the court that the mindset of the players has changed completely.
First comments
The first comment about the new leadership is that what they see is more of a team than lesser players supporting a leading character, as it was before. They are more aggressive and a lot tougher defensively. Consequently, the fans expect a much better season for 2022 – 23, where they can actually play a significant role in shaping the Greek Basketball League, rather than just following the two top-tier clubs of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos.
However, there also seems to be another major difference. VSpan doesn’t just give directions to the players. While in training, he also shows them what to do. In effect he is placing everyone into the mindset that he himself had as a player: refuse to lose.
It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that all Greeks expect to see a new and better «Dragon». The nickname refers to Panayiotis Giannakis, another legendary basketballer, who proved that it is quite possible to change shoes and be equally good. In any case those who register for a betting account with broker will have the chance to not only follow his path, but make a significant profit out of the good things that are expected with Spanoulis leading the way. It could very well be that we will see him sitting in the chair of the national team head coach in the near future.
