By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
SYROS – The fifth edition of Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival featured numerous winners in 3X3 and other tournaments, but none bigger than basketball with youngsters shining at Miaouli Square, seasoned veterans displaying their talents, and a packed house enjoying every single minute of Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2023.
Since launching AegeanBall Festival back in 2016, Giorgos Printezis went from the Olympiacos captain to retirement. Certainly, constantly turning Syros into the summer capital of basketball is huge. However, giving back to the sport, that is the top priority. A larger repayment to basketball seems unattainable, especially with the latest edition adding to the trend of success in the Cyclades island.
Focusing on 3X3 was the recurring theme and fast-paced basketball across multiple courts kept everyone on the edge of their seats for the duration of the AegeanBall Festival. Plus once more extending the promise for more to come will keep attracting additional tourists to Syros and most importantly connect young kids to basketball through an untouchable environment.
Giannoulis Larentzakis edges out the host
Wrapping up the three-day schedule, the Onex Tigers won the VIP League Sunday, one day after the namesake team dominated the final of the Celebrity tournament.
Powering his side through the VIP League and edging out former teammate and host in the impromptu 5X5 game to conclude the tournament, Giannoulis Larentzakis was named MVP. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aleksej Pokusevski did not actually play but was part of the winning team alongside Costis Gontikas, Anna Niki Stamolamprou, Fwtoula Volonaki, and Panagiotis Christoforou.
Printezis teaming up with Yam Madar and the remaining players of Stoiximan Warriors were limited to runner-ups. The Adidas Dragons, with Nikola Milutinov in support, ranked third.
Giorgos Printezis prevails in Long Shoot
Knocking down the midcourt screamer, the host in Printezis settled with topping the Kois Long Shoot with his Warriors teammate and reigning EuroLeague Rising Star Madar taking home the Knock Out by Ikea distinction. Other successful efforts were Kostas Papanikolaou in the Adidas Three-Point Contest, Omiros Netzipoglou in the Cosmote Skill Challenge, and Eleanna Christinaki in the Stoiximan Shooting Star.
Parkour and internet sensation Dimitris Kyrsanidis was among the other players to watch and the confident leader of the Onex Tigers in the Celebrity tournament.
In a one-of-a-kind experience, winners across junior tournaments and why not future stars of the AegeanBall Festival getting medals and trophies ahead of Sunday’s main event schedule was a special treat for everyone involved in building the platform for the youngsters.
Keep it coming, Printezis.
About last night #StoiximanAegeanBallFestival #ΓιαΤηΣύρο #WeAreSyros@aegeanballfest pic.twitter.com/PzgrFR68tV
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 10, 2023
Photo Credit: AegeanBall Festival