Dimitrios Papanikolaou

Dimitris Papanikoloau (Greek Δημήτρης Παπανικολάου, born February 7, 1977) is a retired Greek professional basketball player and current assistant coach of the Greek national team.

Playing career

Dimitris Papanikoloau belongs to the generation of Greek basketball players who attended the late 90s, an international sensation. After some successes at European Youth Championships Papanikoalou was a member of the U-19 national team in 1995, undefeated world champions and were amongst other things clearly the Americans defeated.

His career began in the 2.02 m tall forward at the Athens club Asteras Neon Liosion. In 1993 he moved to Sporting Athens. Two years later, and after the success at the U- 19 World Cup, he signed a contract with Olympiakos Piraeus. After a short stint with Makedonikos he finally moved to Panathinaikos Athens and was therefore one of the few players who went for both Panathinaikos and for its archrival Olympiakos Piraeus on baskets hunting. With Panathinaikos Papanikolaou has four championships, winning three trophies and the ULEB Euro League, before joining city rivals AEK Athens in 2007.

Papanikoloau until the summer of 2005 was an integral part of the Greek national team and came up with 131 inserts.

Coaching career

In January 2012 Papanikoloau took over as coach at his former club AEK Athens. In May 2012, he signed with the Greek first division Ilisiakos a contract. Since 2013 he is assistant coach of the Greek national team.

Achievements

  • Greek champion: 1996, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • Greek Cup winner: 1997, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • European Champion Clubs' Cup: 1997
  • ULEB Euro League: 2007
  • U-16 European Championship: 1993
  • U-19 World Cup: 1995

Awards

  • Greek Slam Dunk Champ: 2000
  • Participations in the Greek All Star Game: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2009
  • Participation in European championships: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003
  • Participation in World Championships: 1998
  • Participation in the Olympic Games: 1996, 2004
  • All-Star Third Team at the European Championships 1997
  • Participation in the U-16 European Championship: 1993
  • Participation in the U- 19 World Cup: 1995
  • Winner in the slam dunk contest the Greek All-Star Games: 2001
Greece Small Forward Makedonikos B.C. A.E.K. Athens F.C. Panionios B.C. Peristeri B.C. Greece national basketball team Ilysiakos B.C. Frontcourt Euroleague Basketball Greek Basketball Cup 2006–07 Euroleague
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