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Sofoklis Schortsanitis, Olympiacos
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 Few young players captivate the imagination of basketball fans quite like Olympiacos center Sofoklis Schortsanitis. With the size of a bull but the feet of a dancer, Schortsanitis has experienced ups like leading Greece to knock out favored U.S.A in the 2006 World Championships semifinals, as well as downs like missing all of 2007-08 and half of last Euroleague season with health concerns. Now 24, Schortsanitis is coming off another big high, his strong role in a bronze-medal showing by Greece in EuroBasket 2009. His next stop, before a pivotal season starts for him and Olympiacos, is the Euroleague American Tour '09 this weekend. Before Monday night’s game against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, Schortsanitis took time to answer questions from Euroleague fans on his newfound commitment to the game, the difference between basketball on both sides of the ocean and Olympiacos's chances for glory this year. "There have been a lot of changes to the team in order to get better and reach the Final Four again," Schortsanitis said. "I think with hard work under the guidance of coach Giannakis, we will accomplish good things this season."
Sofoklis, in your opinion, how much is the distance right now between European and NBA basketball? Thanks a lot!!!
Valerio - Rome
"Obviously the gap between European basketball and the NBA has closed. On the other hand there still are a lot of differences. In the US, players have more freedom in their games. So that's a good thing, but it's totally different compared to European basketball, where you must follow a certain way of playing. I prefer playing the European style of basketball."
Hello, Baby Shaq. First of all best of luck against the original Shaq. That is a clash no-one wants to miss. I am an Olympiacos fan and I would be delighted to see you for a full season this year. Do you think that Olympiacos now has what was missing last year to reach the top of Europe?
Thanks for your time.
George Vandoulas - Athens
"There have been a lot of changes to the team in order to get better and reach the Final Four again. Of course the changes won't make a difference if we don't continue to work hard, like we do. I think with hard work under the guidance of coach Giannakis, we will accomplish good things this season."
Hello, Sofoklis. Do you still play chess? If so, does it help you with basketball in any way?
Remy - Paris
"Yes I still play chess, but just for fun. I don't know if that helps me on the basketball court."
 Sofoklis, since the early years of your career you have been compared with Shaquille O'Neal, although I believe you have more differences than similarities in your style of play. Now, you will have the chance to play against him. Is this a dream that will come true for you or he is just another opponent? And who is your idol if you have one? Keep working and Olympiacos fans will support you, as we always have.
Ilias - Athens
"Shaq is among the 50 greatest players of all time in the NBA and a future hall of famer. So that says everything about him. It's a great honor to play against him and a privilege. For me he is another obstacle that at some point of my career I had to face."
Hello, Sofoklis! Were you happy with your personal performance in EuroBasket 2009? It seems that you play a lot of better when your coach is Jonas Kazlauskas. What can you say about coach Jonas Kazlauskas? Best wishes,
Gedimus Inciura - Lithuania
"Coach Kazlauskas is one of the coaches that I really get along with. I understand his philosophy and I play well under him, but it is my duty as a professional to play well under any coaching philosophy. This is what I am trying to do. As far as myself in Poland, I am extremely happy that Greek national team won the Bronze medal. We have a great group of guys and it's a real privilege to play with that team and to represent my nation."
Hello, Schortsanitis. Which teams have the best fans in the Euroleague, besides Olympiacos, of course? Which court is the hardest to play on as a visitor?
Itay - Israel
"I would say that the toughest court is in Vitoria, Spain, where Caja Laboral plays. I've played there and it's a very good home court for their team and a very difficult one for the opponents."
Big Sofo, I'm an Olympiacos and I love you a lot, as do all the Olympiacos fans (and not only us). We want you to be the best, not only because you are our favorite, but also because you deserve to be on top. Now you have to commit, first of all to yourself, in order to continue the big effort you started a year ago. How do you feel about this personal challenge? Keep going, we love you and we’ll always be there for you.
Michael - Athens
"It is something that I had to do mainly for myself. I had to be better and help myself in order to see what level I can reach."
 Sofoklis, do you think you are taking basketball more seriously now than ever?
Txema Pereira - Spain
"Yes"
Big Sofo, I want to ask you about my team, Olympiacos: Do you believe that we have good chances to be the next Euroleague champions? I want to tell you that you have to believe in your skills, because you are one of the best players I have seen in my life. Good luck in the USA,
Alex - Athens
"Like I said, there have been a lot of changes to the team in order to get better and reach the Final Four and to win a title. But nothing will happen, unless we work hard."
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