By John Rammas/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Athens will be signing 2023 EuroCup Rising Star Olek Balcerowski from Gran Canaria according to Eurohoops sources.
Τhe Greens will pay a €500,000 buyout sum to the reigning EuroCup champions to acquire the 22-year-old center.
Balcerowski was being considered by Panathinaikos for some period but the club just one day ago seemed to withdraw from pursuing him while exploring NBA options like the one of Noah Vonleh. Eventually, the Greek side chose to go with the Polish big man, adding him to a list of new signings that also features Kostas Sloukas, Luca Vildoza, Mathias Lessort, Kyle Guy and Kostas Antetokounmpo, among others.
In 2022-23, Balcerowski averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 16:59 minutes over 22 EuroCup games and was named Rising Star for a second time in his career after 2021 as Gran Canaria won the title. He had 9.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.:30 minutes over 36 Spanish ACB League appearances.
Balcerowski participated in the 2023 NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics, posting 7.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five games.
SDNA first reported the turnaround of the Balcerowski-to-Panathinaikos case which Eurohoops has confirmed.