The President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation, Louis Demetriou, the Board of Directors, the General Director, and the staff of the Federation express their deepest sorrow at the passing of Dimitris Palalas, one of the most prominent figures who served Cypriot basketball in many different capacities.
Dimitris Palalas was born in Limassol on April 26, 1958, and his name became synonymous with an entire era of Cypriot basketball, particularly with AEL. From a very young age, he joined the Limassol team, and starting in the 1973–74 season, he became a member of the first team, remaining active until 1988.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He was a key player on the legendary AEL teams of the 1970s and 1980s, winning a string of titles and carving out a place for himself in the history of the club and Cypriot basketball. He himself had stated that he ended his career having won 14 titles, including eight league championships with AEL, from 1974 through 1988.
His talent as a player had been recognized from the very beginning of his career. In 1979, he was named the top basketball player at the Cyprus Sports Writers’ Association awards, having distinguished himself with his performance as the top scorer in the pan-Cypriot league.
His contribution, however, was not limited to the four lines of the court. After retiring from competitive play, he continued to serve the sport as a coach and administrator. He was the first coach of AEL’s women’s basketball team, contributing to its development and leading it to its first championship title. At the same time, he served on AEL’s Board of Directors.
His career in Cypriot basketball also led him to leadership roles within the Cyprus Basketball Federation, where he served as Vice President, continuing to contribute the experience and knowledge he had gained through decades of involvement in the sport.
Dimitris Palalas belonged to a generation of people who played a decisive role in shaping and developing Cypriot basketball. As a player, coach, and administrator, he left his own unique mark, serving the sport he loved for many decades.
The Cyprus Basketball Federation extends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to the entire AEL family.
