By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
A new day for Euroleague Basketball and the opportunity for a fresh start, as described by Dimitris Giannakopoulos.
The Panathinaikos OPAP owner commented on Dejan Bodiroga being named president of Euroleague Basketball during the press conference previewing the 4th Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament. He wished the best to Bodiroga, a former member of the Greens in his legendary playing career. In contrast, he was critical of the work done since the inception of the EuroLeague a couple of decades ago.
“Usually changes are for the better. I hope Dejan Bodiroga can up the level and make history as he did as a player. Of course, it is too early to tell,” he mentioned, “Those departing were not very successful. So, it would not be hard for anyone to improve the situation. But we must wait and see.”
Bodiroga, 49, was named president and will also fulfill the role of director, as announced last week. In addition, Marshall Glickman was placed in the spot of acting CEO. Jordi Bertomeu was in charge over the last 20 years and was often on the receiving end of disapproving comments from the boss of the Greens.
“I wish him good luck and the same to all the new members of the management,” added Giannakopoulos widening his welcome across the new leaders of Euroleague Basketball, “As teams, we must support them, for them to support us, to have a better product compared to the last 20 years.”
The Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament comes back in Athens. On Friday, the hosting Greens take on back-to-back EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes, after Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan collide in the other Semifinal. The first-place and third-place games follow Saturday.