Spanoulis' Aris Begins the Journey with Missing Pieces

On the training court of Aris in Thessaloniki, the sound of bouncing balls echoed in the early September sun. The first training session under new head coach Vassilis Spanoulis took place in a jubilant atmosphere, but not without concerns. On the sideline, Kostas Antetokounmpo sat watching, his right knee wrapped in white – a familiar sight for those who have followed his career. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, his brother who just joined the team, was running laps with his new teammates. The atmosphere seemed positive, but the look in Spanoulis' eyes – a former legend on the court – could not hide his concern as three key players were absent due to injuries. Aris, one of the most traditional clubs in Greece, is entering the 2026-25 season with high ambitions. The arrival of Spanoulis – who led the national team to great success – is seen as a historic turning point. But from the very first days, the team has had to face a personnel crisis. According to official club announcements, Kostas Antetokounmpo is undergoing knee treatment, while Adam Mokoka and Giorgos Tanoulis are also injured and missing training. This raises big questions about squad depth, especially as the new season approaches. However, the presence of Thanasis Antetokounmpo – a player with NBA experience – brings hope for a new energy source. He is expected to take on the role of a defensive leader, a fire-starter for the younger players. In my years following European basketball, I have noticed that players like Thanasis are often undervalued. They don't score many points, but they make a difference through their intensity and experience. For a team in the midst of reconstruction like Aris, this could be invaluable. Tactically, Spanoulis is known for building a game based on the reading ability of guards. As a former outstanding guard, he tends to prioritize pick-and-roll situations and intelligent offensive spacing. However, with Kostas Antetokounmpo – a player capable of playing as a power forward/center – injured, this system may not run smoothly from the start. The key is for Spanoulis to find ways to make the remaining pieces fit together. On the surface, injuries are undesirable. But they can also be an opportunity for Spanoulis to experiment with new elements. In the past, many teams have found hidden gems from such difficult circumstances. With a coach known for being demanding and detail-oriented, this could be a chance for him to impart his philosophy more deeply. I recall how he worked with the Greek national team – always finding solutions from disadvantageous situations. That is a sign of a true tactician. Another notable point is the presence of veterans who have played under Spanoulis with the national team, such as Toliopoulos and Charalampopoulos. This creates a solid foundation mentally, making it easier for the new coach to convey his ideas. Mutual understanding between coach and players is crucial, especially during transition periods. However, the absence of injured players in the first training sessions could create a stratification in tactical readiness, an issue Spanoulis will have to handle delicately. In the context of the Greek league, Aris remains in the mid-tier, behind Olympiacos and Panathinaikos – two dominant giants. But in the Eurocup arena, they could be a formidable opponent if everything goes in the right direction. The friendly match against Vikos Falcons – a lower-division team – on September 6 will be the first test for Spanoulis' system. This is an opportunity for him to experiment with lineups and observe how players adapt to the new philosophy. I have witnessed many teams start the season with doubts, only to find connections between individuals. Basketball is not just technique; it is also trust. With someone like Spanoulis, who conquered the heights of Europe with Olympiacos, he understands the value of patience. Aris fans should probably be patient, because Rome wasn't built in a day. What they need to do now is trust the process, and wait for the pieces to gradually come together. The season is long, and the upcoming friendlies will be the first measuring stick. Aris may not be title contenders, but with a strategist like Spanoulis, this team will certainly be an interesting wildcard. The look in a coach's eyes when watching his players train can say more than any tactic. And in that look, I see determination – a determination that will be proven on the court, not in words. Ultimately, Aris's story this season is not just about results. It lies in how they overcome early difficulties, how they rebuild trust from the ashes of the past. With the guidance of a legend, this journey promises to be emotional. And as I often tell young colleagues: "In basketball, patience is sometimes the highest tactic." Let's wait and see what Aris can do.