By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Georgios Printezis confirmed what was more or less expected as Olympiacos completed the sweep against Panathinaikos to win the Greek Basket League 2021-22 title.
Upon his entrance to the court for the award ceremony, Printezis took the mic to announce the end of his long and successful career. “From next season on, we will be watching our team together in the stands,” Printezis teary-eyed.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the moments we spent together all these 20 years. Keep supporting the team through thick and thin, the way you already do. Thank you for the memories.”
Long-term teammate Kostas Sloukas then took his turn at the mic to ask for one final applause for Olympiacos‘ loyal, which the fans delivered to bid goodbye to Printezis.
Printezis, 37, spent 18 seasons with Olympiacos across two stints (2001-09, 2011-2022) and led the team to two EuroLeague titles in 2012 and 2013 and four Greek Basket League trophies (2012, 2015, 2016, 2022).
He made one of the most iconic shots in EuroLeague history in 2012 Final when underdog Olympiacos edged CSKA Moscow.
A legend retired tonight pic.twitter.com/zqGazdf1k8
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 17, 2022
He retires as the all-time EuroLeague leader in made field goals (1428), second in games played (375), fourth all-time scorer (3599), and sixth all-time rebounder (1452).
A long-term member of the Greek National Team, Printezis was part of the squad to win bronze at the 2009 FIBA EuroBasket in Poland.
Photo credit: Eurokinissi