Aris kicks off new season: Spanoulis starts rebuilding from the ground up

When Aris Thessaloniki's first training session under new head coach Vassilis Spanoulis ended, people focused on the passing drills and new offensive sets. But for me, the most striking detail was the absent list: Kostas Antetokounmpo is undergoing knee treatment, Adam Mokoka and Giorgos Tanoulis are injured. Three missing names on the first day is a clear signal of the challenges the team will face ahead of the new season. Aris Thessaloniki, one of the most traditional clubs in Greek basketball, is entering the 2026-25 season with high expectations. The arrival of Spanoulis – a Greek basketball legend who previously coached the national team – is a strong statement of ambition. Alongside him, the addition of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, brother of NBA star Giannis, has increased media attention. However, basketball is not a game of names. In a domestic league dominated by Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, Aris needs more than reputation. Looking at the current roster, I see a team in transition. Spanoulis, as a legendary guard, will certainly prioritize ball-handling and pick-and-roll based offense. But the issue is not tactics; it's personnel readiness. Kostas Antetokounmpo, expected to be a cornerstone in the paint, is undergoing knee treatment. This is a persistent issue for the player, and if not fully resolved, it could affect the entire season. The absence of Mokoka and Tanoulis further exposes the team's lack of depth. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, despite being 32, brings abundant energy and high-level experience. However, he is not a primary scorer. His role will likely be that of a defensive warrior and a locker-room leader. But to do that, he needs time to adapt to the new system. The friendly against Vikos Falcons on September 6 will be the first test of whether Spanoulis's ideas are being absorbed by his players. Many will say that with a talented coach like Spanoulis, Aris will soon find its rhythm. But I believe the biggest issue is not tactics, but personnel integration. When three key players miss the first training sessions, they fall behind in learning the system. This could create a split in the team's tactical readiness. Moreover, media pressure weighs heavily on Spanoulis – a legend with huge expectations. If early results are poor, that pressure will only increase. Data doesn't lie, but those who read it can. We need to look at reality: this team still has a lot of work to do. Based on my experience following European basketball, I've noticed that teams with new coaches often struggle early, especially when multiple players are injured. Aris is no exception. But what intrigues me is how Spanoulis will manage with a thin roster. Will he give opportunities to young players? Or will he wait for the key players to return? These are questions only time can answer. Another point to note is fan expectation. Spanoulis is not just a coach; he is an icon. Every decision he makes is scrutinized. If Aris starts slowly, criticism will quickly emerge. But I believe that with his class, Spanoulis will find a way to steady the ship. Giants don't fall because they are weak; they fall because they forget they were once small. Aris needs to remember they are rebuilding from the ashes, and that takes time. The friendly against Vikos Falcons, a lower-division team, won't tell us much. But it will show us the first pieces of the tactical picture Spanoulis is painting. I will closely watch how he uses Thanasis, how he sets up the defense, and whether there are any surprises in the starting lineup. When the whole world stops, I choose to start from zero. That is the spirit Aris needs to learn from their new mentor. Finally, the biggest question remains: Can Kostas Antetokounmpo return to his best form? If not, Aris will have to find alternatives at the center position. This could force management to act in the free-agent market. But that's a story for the future. For now, let Spanoulis work. The season is long, and the first weeks will define the team's identity. Let's wait and see.