PAOK is raising the bar to its highest point yet in its preseason preparations. Andreas Trinchieri’s team faces Partizan (5:30 p.m.) in a particularly intriguing matchup as part of the 8th “P. Giannakopoulos” tournament.
PAOK heads to Athens with six wins in as many friendly games. They have defeated, in succession, TFT Skopje (94-69), Peristeri (84-82), Vikos Ioannina (90-71), Udine (89-71), Naples (100-74), and Armani Milan (89-77).
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Cedi Osman has been the undisputed star so far, as he was named MVP of the Udine tournament, scoring 31 points against Napoli, and adding another 19 in the victory over Armani.
PAOK, however, will not be at full strength. Brin Tyree remains sidelined following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, while the participation of Ra'Quan Gray, who is suffering from periostitis in his left shin, is considered highly doubtful.
Paidassos will face a EuroLeague-caliber Partizan team, featuring significant size, athleticism, and plenty of options at every position. Joan Peñarroya’s team is coming off two convincing preseason wins: a 98-55 victory over Fuenlabrada and an 89-71 win against Besiktas.
Meanwhile, Trinchieri will face the team he coached from 2018 to 2020, while Nick Calathes will face Partizan just a few months after leaving Belgrade.
*photo source: PAOK BC / PAOK Basketball Club
