Koufos: I am always open to play for the Ethniki

In a recent interview, Kostas Koufos stated he is open to a return to the Ethniki fold ahead of next summer’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

Newly appointed Greece head coach Rick Pitino is certainly making the rounds as he looks to build the strongest squad possible for next summer’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, Canada.

While much has been made about Pitino’s current role as Panathinaikos head coach, the American tactician doesn’t seem to be forgetting about his commitment to the Hellenic Basketball Federation and Greek basketball as a whole.

Kostas Koufos, one of the players left-off Greece’s roster for the 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign in China, reaffirmed Pitino’s dedication to the program after confirming in a recent interview that he spoke with Pitino shortly after his appointment.

“He sent me a message to see what I was thinking,” Koufos said of his recent contact with Pitino. “I am open to the possibility of being available. Rick Pitino wanted me in college and I have respect for him and how he coaches. He has experience in college, in the NBA, and now in the Euroleague," Koufos told Israeli outlet Sports Rabbi.

Koufos recently made the move to Europe with Russian giants CSKA Moscow after spending the first 11 years of his career overseas with a handful of NBA clubs, including the Sacramento Kings for the last four seasons.

Much was made of Koufos’ exclusion from the World Cup roster but the 30-year-old says it had nothing to do with his availability to suit up for the Ethniki.

"I'm open every summer. Everything that happens in the past stays there. I was open every summer, unfortunately in recent years it has not happened,” Koufos explained of his absence from the squad dating back to the summer of 2016.

by Peter Katsiris

Image Source: to10.gr

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!