From 'overrated' to clutch: Kostas Sloukas is shaping PAO's EuroLeague season / News - Basketnews.com

Kostas Sloukas, whom EuroLeague players picked as the most overrated in an early BasketNews survey, has geared up in the last six weeks, leading his team to the second place in the standings. His huge contribution to PAO's success is illustrated by some telling numbers.

Credit: Angel Martinez/GettyImages Credit Angel Martinez/GettyImages

Roughly 24 hours afterPanathinaikos AKTOR Athenslost to Olympiacos in Piraeus for EuroLeague Round 29,Kostas Sloukasdecided that his team was in need of an immediate morale-booster.

Kostas Sloukas

Team:Panathinaikos AKTOR AthensPosition:PGAge:34Height:190 cmWeight:95 kgBirth place:Thessaloniki, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

Following the debacle in the Greek Super Cup last October and the meltdown in the domestic Cup final in mid-February, securing the home-court advantage in the playoffs would give the Greens some peace of mind.

Hence, when the squad traveled to Thessaloniki for the domestic league game against PAOK, the Greek guard set up a dinner for his teammates.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

Sloukas' move paid off, as Panathinaikos went on to win all their games from that point on. One of those outings was against FC Barcelona, featuring Sloukas' ex-teammate, Jan Vesely.

PAO prevailed by 89-81, as the veteran guard recorded 18 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals in a statline that earned him Round 31 MVP honors.

After the final buzzer, PAO's captain and the Czech big man exchanged jerseys. The plan was for them to have dinner together, escorted by their wives.

However, the fatigue of another demanding contest took a toll on Sloukas, who

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