The Stoiximan Greek Basketball League (GBL) is nearing the end of its first round with significant developments leading up to the eleventh round of games scheduled this weekend. This round is pivotal as it will determine the final teams qualifying for the coveted Final Eight of the Cup.
According to Eurohoops, key matchups include the highly anticipated game between Panathinaikos and Aris at the OAKA, scheduled for 20:15 on December 22, where the international referee Vasso Tsaroucha will officiate alongside her colleagues Nikos Milapidis and George Chatzibalis. Another notable fixture features Olympiacos facing Marousi on December 22 at SEF, with international referee Stelios Simeonidis headlining the officiation.
Currently, six teams are aggressively contesting for the last three spots available for the Final Eight: PAOK, AEK, Peristeri, Lavrio, Panionios, and Aris. The teams already securing their places include powerhouse clubs Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Promitheas, and Karditsa, along with one additional team to join from the Final Four of the UNICEF Trophy.
This past week, the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) announced disciplinary actions taken following misconduct involving fans. The EOK penalized Panionios and Aris with monetary fines due to offensive chants directed at individuals during recent matches. Specifically, Panionios received fines totaling €1,900 for multiple infractions, including throwing plastic cups during games. Conversely, Lavrio, under similar evaluations, was acquitted of penalties related to its recent match conduct.
Before the weekend's games kick-off, there were also significant roster updates. AEK has officially registered Josua Obiese as their latest foreign player, stepping in for Nahim Alin. The German guard/forward has already made notable contributions, featuring prominently for AEK during the Basketball Champions League games.
Aek’s coach Dragan Sakota discussed team dynamics, expressing confidence yet concern about the lack of fan attendance at their next match against Lavrio, stating, "We truly feel stronger with our fans around us. The absence of support is palpable, and we need to adapt to this challenge." AEK will play behind closed doors due to previous disciplinary actions, making their aim for victory even tougher.
Meanwhile, Olympiacos has recently strengthened its lineup by registering Nathan Mensah, following the withdrawal of Moses Wright due to health issues. The Ghanian center’s arrival, announced on December 11, aims to bolster Olympiacos’s roster as they approach the second half of the regular season. Mensah is expected to arrive by the morning of December 22, and his addition is timely, allowing Olympiacos to make key adjustments before the league resumes full intensity.
The GBL is also witnessing active movements among teams, with several competing to refine their squads for the upcoming matches. Teams are solidifying their positions as they finalize their foreign player registrations, ensuring they comply with league regulations allowing six foreign players per game. The stakes are high as every win counts, especially with teams jostling for playoff positions.
Looking at the weekend’s matches, there is much anticipation. The first day kicks off with three matches on Saturday. Karditsa will host PAOK at 17:00, aiming to leverage their home advantage as they ride on six consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Promitheas will face Panionios, who have shown resilience against tough opponents like Panathinaikos and Olympiacos.
The evening culminates with AEK battling Lavrio at 20:15, where AEK seeks to continue their momentum following their victory against Bonn. Coach Sakota mulls over his strategy as he prepares his squad without key player Kostas Gontikas due to injuries. Gontikas’s absence could sway the game’s dynamics, creating opportunities for Lavrio, who are determined to make their mark.
On Sunday, the league continues with Olympiacos hosting Marousi at 14:15, Kolossos traveling to Peristeri at 17:15, and the grand finish with Panathinaikos facing Aris later in the evening. These matches promise to be thrilling encounters, with teams well aware of the stakes involved.
With the season reaching its climax before the holiday break, fans await to see how the teams can capitalize on their strategies to secure the remaining spots for the Final Eight. The level of competition only intensifies, and teams must bring their best to avoid missing out on the chance for domestic glory.
