By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
From splitting his career between Greek giants Olympiacos and Panathinaikos OPAP, Ioannis Papapetrou moved his talents to Partizan NIS. His first team abroad announced his addition on Monday confirming recent rumors.
Papapetrou, 28, exited the Greens a few days ago and was quickly linked to the Belgrade outfit. The incoming small forward fits nicely in the class of 2022 summer additions along with Danilo Andjusic, Dante Exum, and James Nunnally. Also, French center Mathias Lessort was re-signed for the next season.
Now heading to his tenth campaign in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the experienced small forward made his way to 219 games split between the Greek rivals. In 2021-22, he produced 12 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest over 23 appearances, including 20 starts. Sitting at 9-19 at the end of the Regular Season, Panathinaikos ended up five wins away from a berth in the Playoffs.
After playing in multiple international tournaments at the junior level, the five-time champion of Greece’s domestic league naturally evolved into a regular member of the Greek senior national team over the last six years. He featured in the 2016 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament, 2017 EuroBasket, and 2019 World Cup, and is likely to be part of the squad in the upcoming 2022 EuroBasket.
Heading back to the EuroLeague after nine years, the team coached by Zeljko Obradovic will also compete in the regional AdmiralBet ABA League, apart from Serbia’s domestic league and cup. The last season included an exit in the Eighthfinals of the 7DAYS EuroCup and second place in the ABA League.