On his relationship with Nikos Zisis

Nikos Zisis:
“This structure at Aris is not something common. It’s very important that I have the freedom to make basketball decisions. It’s the first time Vassilis and I are working together at a club. It’s very important for both of us.”

Vassilis Spanoulis:
“After returning from Monaco, being with my family was the most important thing. It wasn’t easy to leave home, even though it’s now very close. But they supported me again. I wanted to make sure that something truly serious, with solid foundations, was being built.”

What are your goals?

“You never enter the court not to compete. We want to build the best team possible, one that keeps improving. We want to compete with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, but you also have to understand where you’re playing. I don’t like clichés. The beginning will be difficult and we’ll need support. Many new faces will arrive and they’ll need to become a team—that’s why we’re here.”

How important is the Greek element?

“Very important, although it’s difficult, and that saddens me. So many kids play basketball, but we need to produce players. I like having a strong Greek core.”

Can an athlete’s mentality be built?

“Some people naturally have it, while for others it can be developed. Mentality comes through trust. You have to find the right button to push, work closely with the player, and they need to be willing to listen.”

About coaching the national team

“These are two different things. We have the maturity to handle both.”

Will youth academies be a priority?

“Anyone who deserves it will play. It’s in their hands. I don’t know any coach who leaves a ready player on the bench. The transition from youth to professional basketball is extremely difficult. It requires discipline and proper guidance from parents.

I strongly believe in academies. Young players should be promoted, but they also need to work hard and not expect everything to be handed to them.”

How did your family react to joining Aris?

“My family is happy when I’m happy. I want to thank my wife for her support—she gives me great balance in my life.”

On criticism faced by Nikos Zisis earlier in the season

“It reminded me of my own playing career, when people said I couldn’t play. I had everyone’s support, I worked hard, and now we’re where we are.”

Could Giannis’ brothers join Aris?

“I spoke about that before, and it’s flattering. What Giannis said was a compliment, and he means what he says.

As for the team, we’re working together for what’s best for Aris. You’ll learn more soon.”

Nikos Zisis:
“There are agreements in place, but official announcements will come from the club.”

Can stronger clubs like Aris reduce the toxicity in Greek basketball?

“Look at leagues like Spain, where Real Madrid didn’t even reach the semifinals. The rise of other teams can attract Greek players back. Healthy competition is good for everyone.

Right now, my focus is on making my team better. We want to build an identity so fans can’t wait to watch us again. Before titles come, you need to do a hundred other things first. You have to build trust. Fans support teams that fight and sacrifice. When I return home full of emotions after a game, that’s what matters most.”

What don’t you tolerate as a coach?

“A lack of motivation, work ethic, and discipline. I can’t accept people who give up at the first difficulty. I want a team with strong character and intelligence.

Personally, I don’t tolerate negativity or self-pity. I have a positive mindset, and with the right people around you, every problem can be solved.

I see tremendous hunger from the management to bring Aris back to the top. They work countless hours because they genuinely love basketball.”

On transfer rumors involving former Monaco players

“No. Nikos, Richard, and I are building the team together. I hear many names being mentioned, and that’s not good. We have specific targets. We can’t sign players just because I coached them in Monaco. Many of them are EuroLeague players and want to stay at that level. Maybe in the future, but we must stay realistic.”

Do you want leaders like yourself and Zisis on the court?

“Basketball has changed. Players are different now. Life evolves. In the past we watched games all day; now players might spend time on Instagram. I preferred the old way, but I adapt.

We want players with a winning mentality who understand where they’re coming. We want players who can handle pressure and bring out their best selves.”

What do all the challenges in your career have in common?

“Motivation fuels you. Some people break under pressure, others keep going. You can’t achieve anything without going through difficulties.

I believe strongly in positive energy. I don’t like negativity. You’ll make mistakes again and again, but the important thing is not repeating the same mistakes. People often look for excuses. Motivation is crucial.”

Was there an emotional element in your decision?

“Of course. I know what Aris was and what it represents. I know the fans who grew up with the great Aris teams. There’s anticipation, and it’s beautiful. But all of this takes time and results. The club has a vision, but nothing happens overnight.”

What convinced you to take the job?

“If I had wanted to do something else, I would have done it. This was a conscious decision. You don’t make a choice like this in one day. Every major decision in my life has been carefully thought through.”

Coaching philosophy

“I’m a coach who adapts to his players. You must be flexible. If there’s one thing that defines my teams, it’s athleticism, teamwork, and a winning mentality. We’ll be a team full of energy. Modern basketball is moving away from rigid systems and more toward athleticism.”

How did this move happen?

Nikos Zisis:
“The idea began when Vassilis left Monaco. At first the chances weren’t 5%—they were 0.000%. We built it day by day. We speak every day because we’re like brothers. Eventually, that 0.001% became 100%.”

Spanoulis:
“Nikos and I have spoken daily for 25 years. We share ideas constantly. When I left Monaco, the first discussion was almost a joke. I just wanted to return to my family. Gradually he brought it up more seriously, but never pressured me.

When I met the ownership, I realized there was genuine ambition. Challenges excite me. At one point we were discussing players without even having an agreement in place.

I have enormous trust in Nikos and in the ownership. Mistakes will happen, but the key is recognizing and correcting them.”

Do you feel pressure?

“No pressure at all—only awe. Seeing the jersey of Nikos Galis and entering the arena where basketball entered Greek homes fills me with respect.

We grew up watching Aris. I feel no pressure, only motivation and vision.

I don’t like big words. Everyone knows whether I play and coach to win. That’s why I came here. We want to build something that will make the fans proud.”

Opening statement

“It’s wonderful to be here. I thank the fans for the welcome—not for me personally, but for the new effort of the organization.

Aris is a great club, not only in Greece but throughout Europe. It helped bring basketball into Greek homes. I thank the ownership for their trust and Nikos Zisis for his efforts.

I’m happy to be part of this project. It’s important to share the same vision with the people around you.

I prefer actions over words. Basketball is my life, and I know nothing is given to you unless you earn it. We want to build a team with strong foundations, long-term consistency, and one that makes the fans proud.”