Tonight, in the hall of ceremonies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Nikos Galis was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Department of Physical Education and Sports. AUTHORIZATION.

Nikos Galis was awarded for outstanding contributions to sports and culture, and for the services he rendered to society.

The Greek-American former basketball player is regarded as one of the greatest European players of all time and the most important figure in Greek sports history.

In 2007, he became the first Greek basketball player to be inducted into the FIBA ​​Hall of Fame, and in 2017, into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, thus entering the pantheon of world basketball. He was recognized by teammates and opponents alike, and coaches stated that the only way to stop him was to “lock him in a hotel room”.

“As you know, I have been highly honoured. But because I grew up and studied in America, I didn’t have the opportunity to go to a Greek school… So this is a special honor for me.. An honor I will never forget. You know me for who I am, I don’t like to talk about myself. I want to believe that I have set a good example for young children and the world at large on how to behave like a true professional and how to do my job right. I want the kids to remember me as a workaholic who did his job right on the floor.. My city is Thessaloniki. I will not leave Thessaloniki, I will not leave anywhere! I grew up here, I grew up here, my whole life has passed here. I love this city and will never leave it,” said Nikos Galis on the sidelines of the ceremony.

In his short speech, Nikos Galis said that he was very touched by the conferment of the title of honorary doctor, and added that he would never forget this evening.

According to him, the children, when they see him on the street, ask him, among other things, how he scored in the basket with the Russian troika, how he stands in the air, or they tell him: “Mr. Gali, I want to be a great player too, I want to be professional” to get the answer that they should learn first.

“I tell them it’s really cool to chase your dream. It’s also romantic. Follow your heart, as they say in America. But know that this requires great sacrifice. It takes a lot of hard work. He wants you to have the right talent to be able to become a professional athlete.. What will stay with you forever are letters, education and morals. So, guys, look first at your studies, ”he said.

Nikos Galis jokingly stated that the honorary doctor’s black turban with gold details suits him and “also the right color”. “I have informed all my relatives and friends that from now on you will call me Dr. Nick,” he said.

In his greeting, AUTH Vice-Rector Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs Andreas Yannakoudakis welcomed Nikos Galis to the university family, who he says is one of the leading Greek athletes of modern times, the man who changed his basketball destiny in our country.

“Perhaps the most important achievement of Nikos Galis is that he inspired young children to play sports and live a sporty lifestyle,” he emphasized and added that, despite his brilliant course, his attitude to life is characterized by a modest and humble demeanor.

The view that Nikos Galis is a role model for AUTH students was expressed by former rector Nikos Papaioannou, who approved of the title.

President of the Department of Physical Education and Sports of AUTH Konstantinos Alexandris noted the invaluable contribution of Nikos Galis not only to the development of basketball in Greece, but also to Greek sports in general. “At a time when there are fewer role models for our youth, Nikos Galis has been and always will be a symbolic figure – a role model for our young people and students,” he said characteristically.

Praising the laureate, Georgios Tsetsis, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of AUTH, mentioned the perfectionism and professionalism of Nikos Galis, stating that “his sports training was a reference to good practice, described by the most advanced theories of sports training in a scientific article.” Regarding Mr. Galis’ kinetic choices, he stressed that “they made his actions magical and created an art of unpredictability.” “His athletic performance is characterized by high kinesthetic intelligence. He used various trajectories of the ball in accordance with the principles of biomechanics and, using his physical characteristics biokinetically, overcame obstacles in the form of higher opponents that he faced in matches,” he added.

Speaking about the impact of Greece’s victory at the EuroBasket 1987, Mr. Tsetsis described it as a historical representation of the struggle of weak Greeks, who throughout time fought with faith and heroism against stronger opponents and managed to win.

“Nikos Galis was the hero all of Greece needed to believe that when you make a lifestyle you love by sacrificing yourself with perseverance and perseverance, nothing is impossible,” he stressed.

The regional governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tsitsikostas, in his speeches to journalists, described the proposal of Nikos Galis as “valuable” and added that he is one of the people whose footprint goes beyond groups and countries.

The Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Zervas noted the professionalism of the laureate and recalled that he watched him in training when he was a student.

The Deputy Governor of Thessaloniki, Voula Patoulidou, spoke about the athlete, who was an absolute idol.

The event was attended by the wife of Nikos Galis, journalist Eleni Panagiotou, his daughter Stella, a member of the national cheerleading team, MPs, athletes and a large number of people.

Source: RES-IPE