Dimitris Itoudis was a guest on the Hellenic Basketball Federation’s WebRadio, where he discussed a wide range of interesting topics!

The veteran Greek coach discussed the EuroLeague coaching seminar held at the “Telekom Center Athens,” and then spoke about Obradović’s return to Panathinaikos, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and the Greek national team!

Here’s what he said in detail:

On the EuroLeague international coaching seminar and his role in it: “I believe that, although I was encouraged to continue for another four years, Yiannis Sfairopoulos and I have fulfilled our mission, and from now on we’ll be supporting the Association in a different way. I won’t be absent from it. Just as I was during Zeljko’s first term, I was there to help with my knowledge, my experience, and my desire to see the Association get things done.

Now, I believe that after eight years and countless meetings, we’re in a good place so that the new generation of coaches can find better working conditions, with the employment contract we’re trying to get approved now officially registered. We’re in a good place, and I believe that within the next few years, coaches will have this agreement along with everything it entails—insurance and everything else we’re asking of EuroLeague.”

Regarding the turnout for the seminar and those who helped make it happen: “We had 600 participants from 66 different countries at the international seminar, which has become something of an institution in Athens in recent years following the initiative we launched, with the support, support, and sponsorship of many worthy partners and, above all, the Greek government.

Also, people who work either at the Ministry or in the regional government, such as Nikos Hardalias, or at the Municipality of Athens or the Ministry of Tourism, as well as sponsorships that support this effort. After all, Greece is a tourist destination for many reasons, so why not promote Greece as a sports tourism destination as well? This sector is also experiencing rapid growth.”

Regarding the use of the “Telekom Center Athens” provided by Panathinaikos BC: “I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for the concession of the ‘Telekom Center Athens’ and the agreement we’ve had over the past two years with Panathinaikos BC and Dimitris Giannakopoulos.

It is a ‘jewel’—one of the best arenas in Europe following its recent renovation. We made full use of the arena—last year with the glass floor, and this year with the large screens mounted on the cube—and the participants have always been very satisfied. We also used it to serve meals to participants, athletes, and Association members—an important aspect for the relaxation of those in attendance.”

Regarding the feedback received after each seminar concludes: “At the end of each seminar, we wait a reasonable amount of time for participants’ comments and for any suggestions or remarks they may have about things they didn’t like. Through this dialogue, we’ve also refined the presentations we give.

Last year, we launched the workshops, which are specifically basketball-focused sessions, so that participants who have more questions can ask them and get answers. Just think—we had 70 people participating in a Q&A session! Last year, the participants encouraged us to show team practices.

This year, we showed team training sessions. Some of the requests concern personalized training for individual athletes, while others focus on the youth divisions. These are requests that the new executive board—with the participation of all of us—will propose to include in the new seminars.”

Regarding the achievements they’ve made through the Association and those they’re set to achieve: “There isn’t a single coach who doesn’t complete their contract and isn’t paid in full. Essentially, a club that wishes to terminate its collaboration with a coach must factor in the departing coach’s contract plus the compensation it intends to pay. This, then, is an established practice; it has already happened.

We’re trying to put additional safeguards in place, because firing coaches is the first and easiest step teams take. This year we’ve had a very large number of coaches fired; we’ve even seen coaches get fired after just their first two games.

So, the problem doesn’t lie with the coach but with the person who hired him. That’s why contracts exist—the moment you sign one, you could be fired the very next day. That’s why we believe the collective bargaining agreement is meaningful, is already on track, and will be implemented.”

Regarding the Basketball School Generation organized by the Association: “Another aspect, another service provided by our Association, is the ‘Basketball School Generation,’ which relates to the certification we grant. We are now in the sixth generation of coaches who have graduated from this program, which we created in collaboration with the University of Belgrade.

Over the past two years, we’ve also been in contact with the University of Thessaloniki and universities in China, because we want to broaden our horizons in various other areas—as I said, we’re hearing about and want to pioneer.”

Regarding Hapoel Tel Aviv and plans for the upcoming season: “For Hapoel, the starting point is not the same as for other teams. Due to geopolitical developments, we face an additional challenge in establishing a stable foundation and attracting players. Of course, the team’s financial situation and the fact that our “bosses” want to continue this effort are a big help, but the other part remains a major problem for us.

As we speak—can you believe it?—I don’t even know if our preseason training will be in Sofia or Tel Aviv. We’re still working on finalizing the roster; we’re looking for players in several positions. The pool of players we’re looking at isn’t that large; all the teams are looking for pretty much the same players. There are very few exceptions—players who haven’t spoken with one team or another.”

On the possibility of Russian teams returning to the EuroLeague: “My dream is to have 30 teams, because the more clubs, the better. I’m in favor of Russian teams joining; I’m an advocate for the idea that sports unite people. Sports clubs have nothing to do with geopolitical developments, and neither do athletes. So, by all means, let this effort move forward. Kudos to the Olympic Committee. I hope this happens. The more teams that have a chance to compete, the better it is for the fans.”

On Zeljko Obradović’s return to Panathinaikos: “First of all, it was a very good move for Panathinaikos—an amazing move—and for Zeljko as well. We spoke; I was one of the first to congratulate him, and in fact, he took me to his new office at the “Telekom Center Athens” to show me just how advanced things are now. I was very happy both for him and for the progress I saw—I didn’t expect anything less.

What people see and experience in the stands is matched—and even surpassed—by the quality found in the “VIP Center,” the coaches’ offices, and the players’ locker rooms. So, it was a very successful move for Zeljko to return to his home, which has also been renovated. It’s a win for Greek basketball, for Panathinaikos, and for him personally. If he didn’t still have that passion, he wouldn’t continue working.”

On the coaches in the Greek league and the teams’ philosophies: “It’s not about highlighting the coach’s work. Coaches are the ones who strive to foster what we call ‘teamwork’ and make the teams a healthy unit. It’s only natural and essential that building a team now starts with the person who will lead that effort.

Here, of course, things are different, because there are already foundations and contracts in place—you either choose to continue with them or add others who can support what you consider best. The Greek league takes on a completely different perspective, precisely because the people leading the effort and investing their money have different—and very high—goals.”

On the national team: “I’ve served as the national team’s head coach, but even if I weren’t in that position, I would still be one of its biggest supporters. I think we’ve all done our part—from the administration, the coaches, the athletes, and the clubs. In sports, there are ups and downs.

Obviously, these weren’t the best circumstances for the national team. I also reflect on our own journey back then and our qualification for the World Cup, which came about despite many challenges. In the end, we managed to win one game before securing our qualification for the World Championship in the Philippines.

Although we had the aspirations and the potential, unfortunately, surgeries and injuries to our players essentially forced us to go without six players, and the seventh, Dinos Mitoglou, suffered an injury one day before tip-off that forced him to return to Greece.

Thus, a country like Greece, which doesn’t have such a large “pool” of athletes, was forced to compete severely depleted in such a major tournament. I believe, therefore, that the effort continues, and I believe that—even though we’ve put ourselves in a difficult position—we have what it takes to qualify for the 2027 World Championship. Let’s wish the national team the best.”

*photo source: KYPE