Stories with a Legend! (Part 2)
Eleven years, 103 team mates. The huge Vassilis Spanoulis is "presented" on olympiacosbc.gr through the eyes of all his Olympiacos' team mates.
The first ten to start this tribute were Agravanis, Punter, Gecevicius, Toupane, Dunston, LeDay, Wiltjer, Tsoumanis, Powell and Webber, who got to reveal untold stories, good luck rituals, character elements and many moments that stayed with them from the career of the insurmountable gentleman with number 7 on his back.
Today, Olympiacosbc.gr presents the next ten players that talk about the tremendous 'V-Span'.
OTHELLO HUNTER (2014-2016): «I remember a lot about Vassilis. We have lived so many things together that will definitely be staying with me forever. I was on the floor as well during that huge finals series in 2016 against Panathinaikos and I have experienced that unique rhapsody. However, what I'll never going to forget and I really break down laughing each time I think about it, is how many rituals for good luck he would be having. It was surreal! Many times he would just ignore you if you talked to him because he simply had to go through them. And I loved teasing him at exactly those moments, because I knew he wouldn't even acknowledge my presence. It was simply hilarious! But, fun part aside, Vassilis Spanoulis is one of the best to have ever played in Europe. What he has done on the floor are out of reach and I wish him all the best in anything he chooses to do from now on».
VASSILIS MOURATOS (2014-2016): «Vassilis is someone who inspires me on a daily basis to becoming better at what I do. He's the one to have influenced and still impacts my character and personality. His mentality and dedication to what he does is a beacon for me and to where I want to go. I'm blessed to have lived in his presence and been his team mate. I have learned so much from him. I don't think that we'll ever see someone again to achieve such levels in their careers or achievements».
THEO PAPALOUKAS (2010-2011): «I will be never forgetting about a summer we were in Syros with Vassilis. I had already retired from basketball and we were there with Vassilis on an invite from Giorgos Printezis to attend the tournament he had organized at the island. So, one night, coming back from dinner, it was about 2 a.m., he went through the main square where all the courts were set up and saw some kids that were playing basketball. We said with Vassilis that they would be so happy if we stopped and played with them. And that's what we did. We played lots of one on one and the night ended, as always, with a match up between us. So, we play on threes and I make 4/5, it's completely dark, maybe that's how I made so many (laughing). And then it's his turn to shoot, I was certain I was going to win, I was teasing him and he makes 5/5. There was a lot of bantering going around after that, we get back to the hotel, go to sleep and next morning I'm asking him: "Ok man, how did you make 5 for 5? I couldn't sleep thinking about it". And he replies: "You're right, it was so hard in the dark, I also can't believe it. But so you know, if I lost, I wouldn't be able to live with myself'. It's only a fun incident, but it's also a testament to the reasons Vassilis has had this huge career. Vassilis has also done something else that's unique… He allowed his talent to the back ground, making everyone talk about his work ethic. He simply deserves all the credit he gets».
BOBBIE BROWN (2017-2018): «He has definitely had an impact on my career. All the time that I would be playing against him, I was in awe of him. When we became team mates, one of my dreams came true and I was really impressed by the way he practiced. He would be dealing with each practice as if it were the last game of his career. Watching a player to practice like that at thirty-six was a teaching moment for me. His body had gone through so much wear and tear, but he was seeing to last up at almost forty, which is an amazing accomplishment. It made me try to become better. He was a real leader. The best of all time».
NIKOS ARSENOPOULOS (2017-2018): «What really stuck with me about Vassilis is how focused and dedicated he had been to his craft. There was never a single day he 'singled out' one game or one practice. For Vassilis, there was nothing less than giving 100% to every practice and every game. This mentality is the greatest challenge for our generation, and it's what we have to deal with if we want to evolve. That's what I would like to be able to assimilate more than anything else. He has had a huge career and I wish him all the best for what comes next».
TREMMELL DARDEN (2014-2015): «What caught me by surprise with Vassilis, had been how disciplined he was. Each day, in every practice, he would stick to his routine before and after each practice and every game. That's what made me realize how he came to be who he is. You can't come that far and stay there for so many years without dedication. He's the best I have known in that aspect. We would be sharing a room when on the road and we have had the chance to talk about many things. His discipline was admirable. Many people would only be seeing him for forty minutes during a game, but take my word for it, he had sacrificed a lot and had put in too much work for the people to witness the result they were seeing on the floor. I had the opportunity to get to know his wonderful family and witness how he treated them. Believe me; even that played a role to his image on the floor. It has been an honor to have played by his side. Indeed, one of the greatest to have ever played the sport».
LOUKAS MAVROKEFALIDIS (2010-2011): «What I remember and would be also trying to replicate, just like many more players, had been his dedication and focus he gave to basketball at every single moment. I don't have much to say, his career speaks for itself. He's a true Legend and I wish him health and that he enjoys his family now that he's going to be having more time in his hands».
VASSILIS TOLIOPOULOS (2015-2019): «What had really impressed me about Vassilis is how much he loved what he was doing and how intensely focused he was on it. Either at practice with the team, or practicing alone, he was always 100% or that's what made him so special and for me, the best Greek to have ever played the game. The day that I will always remember is that of the 2017 Euroleague Final. The whole day, from morning till the jump ball, he was so focused and it was palpable that he wanted to win so badly, that we barely heard him talking at lunch. It might be his usual approach for him, he would have the same for everything anyway, but for me, it just made a huge impression in terms of how I should be coping with critical situations and games. There are so many more things I could be telling you, but I would need hours. Vassilis, thank you for everything you have given to our sport and for all the great moments with our National team. On a personal level, I would like to thank you for teaching us how a role model of an athlete-family man should look like. Good luck to whatever you decide to do next».
ANDREAS GLYNIADAKIS (2010-2012): «Vassilis would be pushing the limits everyday. At a point where you could not distinguish whether he was getting ready for a game or practice. He would be giving 150%, he would never stop, for any reason. I just couldn't believe it! I couldn't believe there was any athlete that would be pushing beyond his personal limits each and every day. His eyes and his focus would be telling it all. And the most important thing of all… When Spanoulis would be on the floor with you, you would feel that everything would be fine and that the chances for a win were in your favor».
GIANNIS ATHINAIOU (2015-2017): «First of all, I would like to congratulate him for all he has accomplished in his years long career that inspired kids from many different generations! We are talking about a Legend of the sport! What really stayed with me from our existence together was his focus each time he was getting to practice. I would think to myself that it can't be that this guy practices harder than we do. Subconsciously, his presence was a sheer motivator that led you to be competitive each passing day! You could tell how competitive he was when there were times I would be guarding him more physically at practice and I could tell he would get mad, but after we finished practicing he would come up to me and tell me: 'Good job, that's how you should be playing'. I would like to wish him all the best in his new life! I know it's going to be hard at first, because he's someone who would live and breathe basketball. When you have dedicated your whole life to it, transition is even harder! However, he has his wife and kids that are going to be helping him a lot with this. I hope he stays with basketball and hence passes the torch and his love for the sport to the new generations».
*In parenthesis, the seasons they played together with Vassilis Spanoulis.