By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
It’s the saddest news of the day in European basketball: after 16 years on the court, Kyle Hines said goodbye to the sport by officially retiring, and the whole EuroLeague landscape reacted to a true legend ending one of the most successful chapters ever.
All his clubs (Veroli, Bamberg, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow, and Milan), alongside leagues in which he played, congratulated him with remarkable words. But the praise especially came from his colleagues.
The EuroLeague gave its flowers to one of his legends. “One of the most legendary players to ever grace the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has decided to hang up his sneakers. After 425 games, 3,339 points, 1,855 rebounds, 510 assists, 287 steals, and 320 blocks, Kyle Hines has called time on his professional basketball career. Kyle Hines is and forever will be a EuroLeague legend. Here’s to a wonderful career, Kyle!”, the press release included.
Ettore Messina, who coached him in his first year at CSKA Moscow and from 2020 to 2024 in Milan, thanked Kyle Hines. “Thank YOU Sir! It’s been special to share these years together ❤️”, he said.
Kevin Punter, who reached the 2021 EuroLeague Final Four with him, joined the list. “Appreciated being your teammate and brother!! 🙏🏾 enjoy bro!”, he said. Zach LeDay, who rejoined Milan this season, followed. “MORE THAN GRATEFUL TO HAVE SHARED MY JOURNEY WITH YOU G”, he said.
Another former teammate in Milan, Shabazz Napier, joined. “Congratulations Champ. Thankful for all of those moments I had you as a teammate/brother. You deserve this moment because you paved the way for all of us my brother. You made the ultimate sacrifice time and time again. Legendary Hines. Love always”, the newest Bayern Munich’s playmaker said.
Derek Needham, currently at Besiktas, used amazing words. “The most decorated American in Europe. The standard of winning. Thank you for showing us the way. Amazing career 👏🏾 well done 🔥”, he added.
Nick Calathes (“Legend!!!!! Hell of a career brother”) and Shane Larkin (Congrats brotha! Legend!) also congratulated Kyle Hines. “Congrats big boy amazing career”, Vincent Poirier said.
The President of the EuroLeague Players’ Association Bostjan Nachbar followed. “Congrats Kyle! A remarkable career indeed. Enjoy whatever comes next my friend 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼”, he said.
Marcelinho Huertas, another legend of the game, appreciated his longevity. “On and off the court a true champ and mirror for all players and younger generations 👏👏👏👏 Congrats on an amazing journey”, he commented.
Kyle Hines left basketball with an emotional letter:
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