By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The final score was in 58-48 in favor of Papagos BC against the select team, but the bottom line is that everyone on the court were remembering an absent friend by his trademark way, smiling. In the court of Alphonso Ford’s first Greek team, Papagos, a game in his memory was held on Sunday and some of the biggest names of Greek basketball were present.
The former coach and now deputy minister of Sports Yiannis Ioannidis, together with legendary center, who also became politician, Panagiotis Fasoulas were on the stands, while former players like Sigalas, Alvertis, Rentzias, Kakiouzis, Boudouris, Galakteros were on the court, honoring Al by wearing his number 9 and having his name on their jerseys.
His longtime agent and friend Nick Lotsos was also present – you can read what he said about Ford to Eurohoops.net – as did three active players, Pelekanos, Tsartsaris and Papaloukas. On the bench of the select team Argiris Pedoulakis was seating, the coach of Panathinaikos who had also coached Ford when he was playing for Peristeri. Alphonso’s jersey was retired by Papagos BC.