Career: Iraklis Pyrgou (Greece-4th Division, 1998-2001), PAOK (Greece-HEBA, 2001-05, Olympiakos (Greece-HEBA, 2005-08)

Panagiotis Vassilopoulos started out as a football player but hit such a growth spurt while growing up that he eventually turned to basketball. Vassilopoulos is a natural athlete, but also a very hard worker. From his village in Hleia, Vassilopoulos signed with PAOK before getting his first contract with Olympiacos, a deal he renewed in May for four more years. That is where he plays for National Team boss Panagiotis Yannakis. He is a good outside shooter and a strong defender. Vassilopoulos blossomed into a key man in the National Team last September. He has played at EuroBasket 2005, the 2006 FIBA World Championship and at last year’s EuroBasket. Vassilopoulos brings energy to the team every time he steps onto the court. He has incredible versatility on defense, at least at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament where he guarded players of all five positions – from point guards to centers.