Rising Stars U18: Aris
As the Rising Stars U18 kicks off soon Prospects Greece will present all teams that participate in the tournament. Next team in the list is Aris, who has a very strong and promising team.
Aris is a team that has produced several outstanding players through their youth programs in recent years, who have gone on to have successful professional careers. Players like Vezenkov, Papanikolaou, Chrysikopoulos, Bochoridis, Flionis, and Netzipoglou all developed their skills within the Aris youth system.
However, in recent times, Aris has faced some challenges, particularly in the U18 level, where they have struggled to make a significant impact. This year, there is optimism that their fortunes may change, as they enter the Rising Stars U18 tournament as one of the top three favorites to win it all. Currently, their registered roster consists of 14 players, and they are poised to make a strong push in the competition.
This year’s team of Aris
An experienced coach leading this talented team
Andreas Kesapidis is well-acquainted with the team and has had a significant impact in the past. He is highly regarded as a coach, particularly in youth leagues. Notably, he achieved success by winning the national U16 championship with Aris, a team that featured the likes of Vezenkov, in 2011. A memorable moment from that time was when Aris clinched the first place in Thessaloniki with a dramatic buzzer-beater shot by Sasha.
Limited presence of the 2006-Generation
It might sound strange, but in the case of Aris, the presence of the 2006 generation in their roster is rather limited compared to other teams. However, the 2006-born players they do have are of high quality. Filippos Tsachtsiras (PF, 2006, 204cm) and Epameinondas Epameinondas (SG, 2006, 192cm) were both part of Greece's U16 team last year. Tsachtsiras is a stretch-4, while Epameinondas is a player that improved a lot during the last season and both shoot well from behind the arc as well as defend well in the perimeter. Epameinondas is a newcomer to the team from YMCA. Last but not least, of the 2006 generation is Petros Paterakis (PF, 2006, 203cm). He is a newcomer to the team from AOK Chania and will strengthen the frontcourt.
The powerful presence of the 2007-Generation
The team's 14-player roster includes 8 players from the 2007 generation. Vasilis Pourlidas (PG/SG, 2007, 195cm) and Vasilis Kazamias (PG, 2007, 197cm) were both part of this year's U16 team. Their playing time may have been somewhat limited, mainly due to the strong backcourt of the Greek team. Vasilis Pourlidas, for instance, averaged 19 points per game in last year's U18 National Championship with Zafeirakis Naousas before transferring to Aris.
Aris has made several transfers, including Charalampos Kotsapouikidis (SF, 2007, 191cm, from Makedonikos), Laokratis Vasilakis (PF, 2007, 200cm, from DEKA), and Nikolaos Fotiadis (SG, 2007, 187cm, from Machites Pefkon). Additionally, three players who were part of the U16 team last year have been promoted to the U18 squad, namely Antonis Biskas (PF, 2007, 193cm), Filippos Kasianos (SF, 2007, 194cm), and Marios Giannikos (SF/PF, 2007, 197cm).
The 2008-Generation will have a strong presence
Aris made a significant summer signing by securing the services of the top prospect in the 2008 generation in Greece. Chrysostomos Chatzilamprou (SG, 2008, 198cm) is a player worth keeping an eye on, as he has already showcased his skills with the U18 team of Aris and has been a key player for the U16 team. He is particularly known for his scoring ability and is considered a designated scoring threat. To see more of Chatzilamprou's skillset, you can watch highlights here and here.
Additionally, Christos Venetidis (PG, 2008, 194cm) and Pavlos Petalotis (PF, 2008, 196cm) are two talented players expected to make an impact on the team. Both have been called up by Coach Kalampokis for U16 preparations, indicating their promising potential.
What distinguishes Aris from other teams at the moment
The team's roster is now actively competing in the Greek National League 2, which is the fourth division of Greek basketball. They participate under the name of the team Navarchos Botsis. This strategic decision places the team in a highly competitive league, where they face strong opponents.