By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Kyle Hines went from being undrafted in the NBA and starting his professional career in the Italian second-tier league to EuroLeague greatness. The 37-year-old center from Sicklerville, New Jersey, wrote his name in the history books, becoming the player with the most appearances of all time in the top European competition.
He played his 393rd EuroLeague game in the 2023/24 season Round 3, donning Olimpia Milano‘s jersey in a victory over Olympiacos.
“It’s hard to put into words. So many legendary names have played in this competition, and as an American player to be at the top of the competition for games played, it’s a special accomplishment,” Hines said.
Before joining Milano in 2020, he played for Brose Bamberg, Olympiacos, and CSKA Moscow. Interestingly, his EuroLeague journey also started in Italy, with an away game as a Bamberg player.
“My first game was in Rome. It was kind of significant because I had watched my first EuroLeague game a year before in that same arena, and to go from watching to playing there in one year was the ultimate hype and ultimate excitement for me.”
During 13 years of playing with the European elite, Hines won four championships and earned three EuroLeague Best Defender awards, averaging 8.2 points with 4.5 rebounds for a PIR of 10.6.