Greens ink combo guard Calathes
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 Euroleague champion Panathinaikos has started to build its roster for the upcoming 2009-10 season by inking versatile guard Nick Calathes to a three-year deal, the club confirmed Wednesday. Calathes (198, 20) arrives from the University of Florida, where he averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 36 NCAA games. Calathes was born in Florida to Greek-American parents and has since obtained a Greek passport. His older brother Pat debuted as a pro in Europe this season for Maroussi Costa Coffee, appearing in both the Greek League and the Eurocup. Nick Calathes helped Florida to make it to the NIT Final Four in 2008 and was chosen into the All-Southeastern Conference first team this season. He also recorded two triple-doubles, more than any player in University of Florida history, during his short two-year stay there. Last summer already, Calathes returned to his Greek roots has been a member of the Greek under-20 national team. Calathes averaged 11.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 6 games at the European under-20 Championship in Riga, Latvia.
"I know the team and I know they conquered everything this year, the championship, the cup and the Euroleague," Calathes said on Wednesday. " I know Obradovic, I have heard a lot about him. Of the players I know Spanoulis, I 've heard about Diamantidis and I know a little bit about Batiste. I am happy to be here for Panathinaikos. I will be close to my brother, something important for me, since he is already playing in Greece for a year now. He has told me only the best. That the atmosphere is great in every game and that people here are really into basketball. I am joining the best team in Europe."
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Euroleague.net
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