By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) will be naming one of the Players’ Choice Awards after Kyle Hines, following the veteran big man’s retirement from basketball.
Virtus Bologna forward Tornike Shengelia won his second term as ELPA president during the recent General Assembly of the organization that took place in Barcelona.
Per ELPA:
ELPA held its 7th annual General Assembly in Castelldefels (Barcelona) prior to the 2024-2025 basketball season. 16 out 18 player representatives attended the meeting in person, which started with a message from former ELPA First Vice President Kyle Hines, welcoming the attending player representatives and encouraging them to continue growing the association.
Next, ELPA managing Director Bostjan Nachbar provided players with the extensive 2023-24 season report, and described the plans for the upcoming season, all of which were unanimously confirmed by the player representatives.The following topic was a thorough explanation of the changes and additions to the new EuroLeague Framework Agreement (EFA), which was renewed just days before the assembly. In addition to upgraded conditions for players, the EFA introduces a new set of commitments between the league, clubs and players, including a commitment to analyze and develop a league-wide pension plan proposal.
In the latter part of the meeting, Secretary General Alexander Engelhard presented the details of the partnership with Winners Alliance, whose collaboration with ELPA will increase the visibility of EuroLeague players through engagement in collective commercial opportunities and activities.
ELPA’s Head of Second Career Development Beatriz Roca presented the Second Career Program and delivered a motivating message to those players who wish to engage in post-career activities by starting to prepare while they are still active players.
The General Assembly was also an opportunity to renew the ELPA Players’ Board. Toko Shengelia, Kyle Hines, Adam Hanga, Alec Peters and Nikola Kalinic terms expired, therefore, players voted for the new group of five players whowill become the leaders of the association. Shengelia and Peters decided to run as candidates again, while Donatas Motiejunas, Tomas Satoransky and Mario Hezonja were the first time applicants. All five players were confirmed by the General Assemby and now form the new Players’ Board, with Toko Shengelia receiving the most votes and extending his term as ELPA President. Alec Peters was voted second, therefore, he will serve as the First Vice President of the association.
ELPA management and Player representatives wish to thank Kyle Hines, Adam Hanga and Nikola Kalinic for their contribution to ELPA over the last few seasons. While Hanga and Kalinic continue their playing careers, Kyle Hines recently announced his retirement from professional basketball. To show gratitude for what Hines has done for current and the next generation of players, both on and off the court, player representatives unanimously decided to call one of the ELPA Players’ Choice Awards a “Kyle Hines Most Respected Player Award”, which he won in all four seasons since players started to choose the best amongst their peers.