Nick Calathes has made it clear that PAOK are not entering the 2026-27 EuroCup season simply to compete, with the veteran point guard identifying the competition title as the team’s main objective.
Speaking at PAOK’s Media Day ahead of the new season, Nick Calathes discussed the team’s ambitions, the process of building chemistry with several new players and the style of basketball the Thessaloniki club wants to establish.
“Obviously, when you build this team, the goal is to compete for the EuroCup title. I think we have the character and the players on the team to accomplish that. It’s a long road from here, so we want to continue getting better because we still have work to do. At the end of the season, though, our main goal is to have the opportunity to win the EuroCup and to be really competitive.”
Everything is set for another edition of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Greece! 🟢
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) September 3, 2026
This year, Panathinaikos will welcome Partizan, PAOK and Bourg, with the tournament taking place on September 18–19.
It will also bring together some very familiar faces, with plenty of… pic.twitter.com/mwegvvzXMH
Nick Calathes outlines PAOK’s style
With a number of new faces on the roster, Calathes expects PAOK to develop a fast-paced identity, with transition basketball and defense at the center of their approach.
“I think we’re going to be a team that plays very up and down the court. That’s going to be our main characteristic. We have a lot of players who can run, guys like Cedi Osman, Kyle Alexander, Trevor Hudgins, Naz Mitrou-Long. We have a lot of players who can play at a high tempo. The main thing, though, I think, will be defense.”
“I know the coach emphasizes defensive mentality a lot. Once we’re able to get stops, we’ll be able to run. So I think our characteristic will be that we’ll be a transition team, a team that plays a lot in the fast break. I really can’t compare it to another team I’ve played for.”
New-look PAOK still building chemistry
Calathes acknowledged that PAOK are still in the process of figuring out how their new pieces fit together, with every practice and preseason game helping the team develop its chemistry.
“I think the whole team is looking forward to the next steps. Obviously, we’re still in preseason and I think with every practice and every game we’ll get better and better, so that we can learn each other’s movements. There are a lot of new faces, so we have to understand what works and what doesn’t. We’re ready for the season to start.”
The veteran guard also believes Greek basketball is entering an exciting period, with clubs increasing their investment and bringing in higher-level players.
“It’s a little different compared to seven or eight years ago, but it’s nice to see the teams getting better and better. I was telling someone that I think this is one of the best years for Greek basketball, with the teams and the competitions they’re participating in across Europe. The teams are starting to invest more money and acquire better players. It’s something exciting for the fans and, of course, for Greek basketball.”
PAOK embraces pressure
Nick Calathes also addressed the expectations of PAOK’s passionate fan base, acknowledging that the club’s ambitions naturally create pressure.
“Obviously, we have a very strong fan base. They want to win. I think it’s been a long time since PAOK won something. We have big goals and, I would say, quite a lot of pressure. But it’s good to have pressure. It’s good to be in this position. We’ll be ready and, as I said, we’re excited for the season to start.”
