Alexandros Samodurov officially joins Panathinaikos on five-year deal / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos OPAP Athensannounced the deal with Alexandros Samodurov. The 16-year-old prospect, who is widely regarded as Greece's top talent with a considerable NBA potential, had agreed verbally to join the Greens on a multi-year deal about a week ago.

Free throws this season

80%12,4Points made:12,4Accuracy:79,6%Place in standings:9Record max:25Record min:4Most made FTs:Daryl MaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The 2.09-meter forward/center, who was playing in the "Deka" Academy, run by former PAO shooting guard Nikos Hadjivrettas. Born in 2005 in Thessaloniki to Georgian parents, Samodurov immediately showed flashes of his talent.

The contract will link the two sides until the summer of 2028, but the athlete will be integrated into the team from the 2022-23 season.

"I am very happy to belong to the family of Panathinaikos. I would like to thank the Deka Academy, my coaches and everyone who has supported me over the years.

I especially thank coach Hadjivrettas, who played an important role in my decision," Samodurov told Panathinaikos's official website before futher elaborating on the reasons that led him to the Greens.

Credit Deka Academy

As he said, the way the two EuroLeague legends, Frangiskos Alvertis and Dimitris Diamantidis, approached him was decisive.

"The main reason I chose Panathinaikos is the presence and approach of Mr. Diamantidis and Mr. Alvertis, as well as the plan presented to me By The people of Panathinaikos", he told paobc.gr.

In the 2021-22 season Samodurov's star shone in the Rising Stars tournament organized by the Greek Basketball Federation hosting U18 teams.

He was the MVP of the tournament and led "Deka" to the title with 25.9 points (75.7% shots, 66.7% two-pointers and 25.8% three-pointers), 13.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2 blocks in 35 minutes on average.

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