Nick Galis
Encyclopedia
Nikolaos Georgalis commonly known as either Nikos Galis , or Nick Galis (alternate spellings include: Nikos Gallis, Nick Gallis, Nicolaos Georgalis, Nicolaos Georgallis, Nikolaos Galis, Nikolaos Gallis) (born July 23, 1957 in Union City
, New Jersey
, United States
), is a retired Greek
professional basketball player. He is an inaugural member of the FIBA Hall of Fame
and was named one of the 50 Greatest Euroleague Contributors
, as one of the league's 35 greatest players, on February 3, 2008.
Galis played the shooting guard
position and spent most of his career in Aris
, before having a late stint with Panathinaikos. He is the Euroleague
's all-time leader in both career points scored and points per game (counting both FIBA
and ULEB
games), leading the competition in scoring eight times. He reached the Euroleague Final Four
on four occasions, three consecutive ones with Aris (1988-90), and another one with Panathinaikos (1994). He is also the Greek Championship's all-time leading scorer in both career points scored and points per game (counting all the formats in league history). In addition to that, he holds the FIBA World Championship
scoring records
for the highest career points per game average, as well as the most points ever scored at a World Championship tournament, which he set at the 1986 FIBA World Championship
.
Galis led the Greek national team
to a EuroBasket
gold medal in 1987
, as well as to a EuroBasket silver medal in 1989
, earning the tournament MVP honor in 1987, and being elected to the All-EuroBasket Team both times. Following the stunning success of the EuroBasket title in 1987, he won the Mr. Europa Player of the Year
and the Euroscar
awards the same year. Galis is widely regarded as one of Europe's
all-time greatest players in professional club basketball history, as well as one of the all-time greatest players in FIBA international basketball history. He is highly revered in Greece
, where he is considered by many to be the greatest individual athlete that the country has ever had. His years at Aris lifted Greek basketball from relative obscurity, into common public entertainment, with Galis being the figure that eventually inspired thousands of Greeks to take up the sport of basketball.
and Nisyros
, Nick took up boxing
in his early years, his father George Georgalis having also been a boxer in his youth. He was persuaded to give up boxing by his mother Stella Georgalis, who was terrified each time that her son would return with a new facial injury. As a result, he started playing basketball and attended Union Hill High School
in Union City, New Jersey
.
After high school, Galis enrolled at Seton Hall University
as a college basketball
player. In his senior season, Galis saw his scoring average reach 27.5 points per game, which was third in the nation behind Idaho State's
Lawrence Butler (30.1 ppg) and Indiana State's
Larry Bird
(28.6 ppg), including a 48 point outburst against the University of Santa Clara. Galis' coach at Seton Hall, Billy Raftery
, would later state that Galis was the best player he ever coached. Finishing his collegiate career in 1979, Galis signed with agent Bill Manon, who also managed Diana Ross
. Manon did not have Galis work out with any NBA team. Galis was eventually selected by the Boston Celtics
in the 4th round of the 1979 NBA Draft
, 68th overall.
Due to a severe injury that he suffered during the Celtics
pre-season training camp, the franchise was no longer interested in offering him a contract because Gerald Henderson
had taken his place and his injury would keep him out for the foreseeable future. It was then that Galis decided to pursue a professional career in Greece
's A1 League
. Galis would later be offered NBA contracts by the Celtics and the New Jersey Nets
while he was playing in Greece, but he turned the offers down because at the time FIBA did not have professional status, something it did not gain until the year 1989, and therefore Galis would not have been allowed to play for the Greek national team if he was an NBA player. Since playing for Greece's national team meant so much to Galis, he stayed in Greece. Celtics legend Red Auerbach
later said that the single biggest mistake he ever made in his career was not keeping Galis.
of Thessaloniki
, Greece in 1979. Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiacos Piraeus
had also shown some interest in signing the newcomer, but it was Aris' interest that was the most persuasive. His move to the country helped Greek basketball reach heights never before imagined. In 1983, while playing in a game with the Greek national team against the North Carolina Tar Heels
at Chapel Hill, Greece's shooting guard Galis, while being guarded by North Carolina's shooting guard Michael Jordan
, scored 50 points during the game. He played in the 1986 FIBA World Championship
, where he led all players in scoring average with 33.5 points per game. In that tournament, he had a 53 point outburst against the Panamanian national basketball team.
Galis next led the Greek national basketball team
to the EuroBasket 1987
gold medal. Averaging 37.0 points per game during the tournament, he was named the MVP of the tournament after scoring 40 points in the final against the Soviet Union national basketball team
and its legendary player Šarūnas Marčiulionis
for a 103-101 victory.
Galis also led Greece to the second place at the EuroBasket 1989
, averaging 35.6 points per game. Galis is remembered for a stunning effort against the Soviet team led by Marčiulionis and its other star player, Arvydas Sabonis
, in the semi-final game. He scored 45 out of his team's 81 total points in a dramatic, last-gasp 81-80 victory. The team settled for a second place finish against the ever-dominant Yugoslavian national basketball team
.
. Playing alongside other great players at Aris such as Panagiotis Giannakis
and Slobodan Subotić
, Galis won 8 Greek Championships
(7 of them consecutively and 3 undefeated, in the years 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), 6 Greek Cups
(4 of them consecutively, in the years 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992), and led Aris to 3 consecutive appearances at the European Champions' Cup
Final Four
(1988–1990). In the one disappointment of an otherwise glittering career with Aris, all three European Champions' Cup appearances ended in defeat in the semi-finals, thus depriving him of the opportunity to shine on Europe's biggest club stage. The team's performances and general standard of play however won the heart of every basketball fan in Greece. Indeed, cinemas and theaters would often reduce their admission prices on Thursday evenings when Aris was playing and the entire country settled down to watch them on television.
After a disappointing season of his team in 1992, Galis was forced to leave Aris. The new president of Aris and the fact that the team was then in decay were the main causes for his departure. Galis, who adored Thessaloniki
, insisted about remaining in the club and playing for the team, as he believed that he still could offer much.
for Panathinaikos and was the captain
and the player that led Panathinaikos to a rebirth after the disappointing previous season that found the club in 8th place.
Galis inspired the young players of Panathinaikos such as Fragiskos Alvertis
and Nikos Ekonomou
and gradually brought back hope to the fans, to the point that Glyfada Indoor Hall
was always overcrowded. In his first season (1992-93) that Galis played in Athens, Panathinaikos took second place in the Greek Championship, and won the Greek Cup
, the 7th Greek Cup for Galis.
The following year, Galis was the European Champions' Cup
top scorer (23.8 points per game in 21 games) and passer (4.7 assists per game in 21 games). He led Panathinaikos to the Final Four
where they placed 3rd, a success that Panathinaikos had never reached before. He had to be content with being the top scorer in the 3rd-place match against FC Barcelona
. He made one of his greatest career games against Virtus Bologna
at the quarter-finals.
In his third season in Panthinaikos, Galis teamed up with Panagiotis Giannakis
and Žarko Paspalj
to make a strong effort to win the Champions' Cup. Galis was the player who led Panathinaikos to the Top 16 group, as he prevented the elimination of Panathinaikos by Budivelnik Kiev. He was also the leader of the team in the win against Olympiacos
in a Greek Cup
game at Sporting Sports Arena
. But his career ended controversially on October 18, 1994 (a few games after the start of the 1994-95 season), when Kostas Politis
(coach of Panathinaikos at that time) chose not to include him in the starting line-up of a Greek Championship
game against Ambelokipi. Galis left the court, never again to return to action.
, 33.5 points per game at the 1986 FIBA World Championship
, 37.0 points per game at the EuroBasket 1987
, 35.6 points per game at the EuroBasket 1989
, and 32.4 points per game at the EuroBasket 1991
. Galis was only a 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall combo guard
. In every one of the games that Galis played in these tournaments, the entire defense of every opposing team was focused on stopping his scoring outbursts.
, he was never once substituted out of any game after the second day of the competition.
. As a token of appreciation for his contribution to Greek sport, Galis was chosen to be the first torch bearer in the final round of the Olympic Flame
for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Galis entered the stadium at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony and set off the procession of the flame to the altar.
In September 2007, Nikos Galis was elected as a member of the first class of the FIBA Hall of Fame
, which includes the best basketball players in the history of the game internationally. Galis was inducted as a player. Bill Russell
of the famous Boston Celtics
dynasty was another one of the 16 inaugural player inductees. Galis is also a member of the Greek Basketball Hall of Fame
, inducted as a player. Galis is married to Eleni Panagiotou and he has one daughter, named Stella.
Galis won numerous titles and awards during his career and had many memorable single game performances. The following are some of them:
Personal awards and achievements:
Union City, New Jersey
Union City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. According to the 2010 United States Census the city had a total population of 66,455. All of the city is on land, an area of...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
), is a retired Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
professional basketball player. He is an inaugural member of the FIBA Hall of Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame honors basketball players, coaches and administrators who have contributed to international competitive basketball. It was established by FIBA in 1991. It includes the "Samaranch Library", the biggest basketball library in the world that, as of 2007, has over 10,000 basketball...
and was named one of the 50 Greatest Euroleague Contributors
50 Greatest Euroleague Contributors
The 50 Greatest Contributors in Euroleague History were chosen on February 3, 2008, in Madrid, Spain. The occasion was the fiftieth anniversary since the founding of the FIBA European Champions Cup, officially recognized as the predecessor to today's Euroleague.The list was made up of the...
, as one of the league's 35 greatest players, on February 3, 2008.
Galis played the shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
position and spent most of his career in Aris
Aris BC
Aris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
, before having a late stint with Panathinaikos. He is the Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
's all-time leader in both career points scored and points per game (counting both FIBA
FIBA Europe
FIBA Europe is a zone within the International Basketball Federation which includes all 49 national European basketball federations.-Division A:-Division B: -Division C:...
and ULEB
ULEB
ULEB was founded in 1991, with the aim to help in the cooperation and development of European professional club basketball leagues...
games), leading the competition in scoring eight times. He reached the Euroleague Final Four
Euroleague Final Four
The Euroleague Final Four is the final four format championship of the Euroleague professional club basketball competition. The Euroleague used the final four format for the first time during the 1987-88 season. It is known as the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four for sponsorship reasons...
on four occasions, three consecutive ones with Aris (1988-90), and another one with Panathinaikos (1994). He is also the Greek Championship's all-time leading scorer in both career points scored and points per game (counting all the formats in league history). In addition to that, he holds the FIBA World Championship
FIBA World Championship
The FIBA World Championship is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation , the sport's global governing body...
scoring records
FIBA World Championship records
-Performances of host countries:From 1959 to 1982, the host qualified directly to the final round, thus bypassing the preliminary round...
for the highest career points per game average, as well as the most points ever scored at a World Championship tournament, which he set at the 1986 FIBA World Championship
1986 FIBA World Championship
The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
.
Galis led the Greek national team
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
to a EuroBasket
Eurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
gold medal in 1987
Eurobasket 1987
The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
, as well as to a EuroBasket silver medal in 1989
EuroBasket 1989
-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
, earning the tournament MVP honor in 1987, and being elected to the All-EuroBasket Team both times. Following the stunning success of the EuroBasket title in 1987, he won the Mr. Europa Player of the Year
Mr. Europa
The Mister Europa European Player of the Year Award is an annual basketball award created in 1976 and given today by the panel of journalists of the Italian weekly magazine Superbasket. Its purpose is to praise the best European basketball player, regardless of where he plays in the world,...
and the Euroscar
Euroscar Award
The Euroscar European Player of the Year Award known as European basketball's Oscar award, is an annual basketball award that started in 1979. The award names each year's best European basketball player, regardless of where he plays in the world, including NBA players. The award is judged on the...
awards the same year. Galis is widely regarded as one of Europe's
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
all-time greatest players in professional club basketball history, as well as one of the all-time greatest players in FIBA international basketball history. He is highly revered in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, where he is considered by many to be the greatest individual athlete that the country has ever had. His years at Aris lifted Greek basketball from relative obscurity, into common public entertainment, with Galis being the figure that eventually inspired thousands of Greeks to take up the sport of basketball.
US career
The child of a poor immigrant family from the Greek islands of RhodesRhodes
Rhodes is an island in Greece, located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population, with a population of 117,007, and also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within...
and Nisyros
Nisyros
Nisyros is a volcanic Greek island and municipality located in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecanese group of islands, situated between the islands of Kos and Tilos. Its shape is approximately round, with a diameter of about , and an area of . Several other islets are found in the direct...
, Nick took up boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
in his early years, his father George Georgalis having also been a boxer in his youth. He was persuaded to give up boxing by his mother Stella Georgalis, who was terrified each time that her son would return with a new facial injury. As a result, he started playing basketball and attended Union Hill High School
Union Hill High School
Union Hill Middle School is a public middle school in Union City, New Jersey, United States, as part of the Union City Board of Education, an Abbott District. The school was built in what was formerly Union Hill, New Jersey, which merged with West Hoboken in 1925 to form Union City...
in Union City, New Jersey
Union City, New Jersey
Union City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. According to the 2010 United States Census the city had a total population of 66,455. All of the city is on land, an area of...
.
After high school, Galis enrolled at Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1856 by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States. Seton Hall is also the oldest and largest Catholic university in the...
as a college basketball
Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball
The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball program is the NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's basketball program of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey...
player. In his senior season, Galis saw his scoring average reach 27.5 points per game, which was third in the nation behind Idaho State's
Idaho State University
Idaho State University is a public university located in Pocatello, Idaho. It has outreach programs in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Boise, and Twin Falls....
Lawrence Butler (30.1 ppg) and Indiana State's
Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball
The Indiana State Sycamores basketball is the NCAA Division I men's basketball program of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. They currently compete in the Missouri Valley Conference...
Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Larry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
(28.6 ppg), including a 48 point outburst against the University of Santa Clara. Galis' coach at Seton Hall, Billy Raftery
Bill Raftery
Bill Raftery is an American basketball analyst and play-by-play announcer and former college basketball coach.-High School:...
, would later state that Galis was the best player he ever coached. Finishing his collegiate career in 1979, Galis signed with agent Bill Manon, who also managed Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
. Manon did not have Galis work out with any NBA team. Galis was eventually selected by the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
in the 4th round of the 1979 NBA Draft
1979 NBA Draft
The 1979 NBA Draft was the 33rd annual draft of the National Basketball Association . The draft was held on June 25, 1979, before the 1979–80 season. In this draft, 22 NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players...
, 68th overall.
Due to a severe injury that he suffered during the Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
pre-season training camp, the franchise was no longer interested in offering him a contract because Gerald Henderson
Gerald Henderson
Jerome McKinley "Gerald" Henderson, Sr. is a retired American basketball player. He was a shooting guard who had a 13-year career in the NBA from 1979 until 1992. He played for the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and...
had taken his place and his injury would keep him out for the foreseeable future. It was then that Galis decided to pursue a professional career in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
's A1 League
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
. Galis would later be offered NBA contracts by the Celtics and the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
while he was playing in Greece, but he turned the offers down because at the time FIBA did not have professional status, something it did not gain until the year 1989, and therefore Galis would not have been allowed to play for the Greek national team if he was an NBA player. Since playing for Greece's national team meant so much to Galis, he stayed in Greece. Celtics legend Red Auerbach
Red Auerbach
Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach was an American basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and the Boston Celtics. After he retired from coaching, he served as president and front office executive of the Celtics until his death...
later said that the single biggest mistake he ever made in his career was not keeping Galis.
College stats
| Season | Team | Competition | Games Played Games played Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,... |
Field Goal% Field goal percentage Field goal percentage in basketball is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted. Its abbreviation is FG%. Three-point field goals are included in this percentage. Instead of using scales of 0 to 100%, the scale .000 to 1.000 is commonly used. A higher field goal percentage denotes... |
Free Throw% Free throw In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team... |
Rebounds Rebound (basketball) A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made... |
Assists Assist (basketball) In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist... |
Points Points per game Points per game, often abbreviated PPG, is the average number of points scored by a player per game played in a sport, over the course of a series of games, a whole season, or a career. It is calculated by dividing the total number of points by number of games. The terminology is often used in... |
Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball program is the NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's basketball program of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey... |
College basketball College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III.... |
|||||||
| Career Totals |
Greek career
Galis made the move across the Atlantic and signed to play with ArisAris BC
Aris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki , historically also known as Thessalonica, Salonika or Salonica, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace...
, Greece in 1979. Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiacos Piraeus
Olympiacos BC
Olympiacos B.C. , also known simply as Olympiacos and Olympiacos Piraeus, is a Greek professional basketball club, part of Olympiacos CFP, based in Piraeus. The basketball club, founded in 1931, is one of the most successful in Greece and a traditional powerhouse in European competitions...
had also shown some interest in signing the newcomer, but it was Aris' interest that was the most persuasive. His move to the country helped Greek basketball reach heights never before imagined. In 1983, while playing in a game with the Greek national team against the North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history...
at Chapel Hill, Greece's shooting guard Galis, while being guarded by North Carolina's shooting guard Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
, scored 50 points during the game. He played in the 1986 FIBA World Championship
1986 FIBA World Championship
The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
, where he led all players in scoring average with 33.5 points per game. In that tournament, he had a 53 point outburst against the Panamanian national basketball team.
Galis next led the Greek national basketball team
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
to the EuroBasket 1987
Eurobasket 1987
The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
gold medal. Averaging 37.0 points per game during the tournament, he was named the MVP of the tournament after scoring 40 points in the final against the Soviet Union national basketball team
Soviet Union national basketball team
The Soviet national basketball team was the basketball side that represented the Soviet Union in international competitions. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the successor countries all set up their own national teams...
and its legendary player Šarūnas Marčiulionis
Šarunas Marciulionis
Raimondas Šarūnas Marčiulionis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player. He was one of the first Europeans to become a regular in the North American National Basketball Association...
for a 103-101 victory.
Galis also led Greece to the second place at the EuroBasket 1989
EuroBasket 1989
-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
, averaging 35.6 points per game. Galis is remembered for a stunning effort against the Soviet team led by Marčiulionis and its other star player, Arvydas Sabonis
Arvydas Sabonis
Arvydas Romas Sabonis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player and a businessman. He was an eight-time European Player of the Year, winning the Euroscar Award six times, and the Mr...
, in the semi-final game. He scored 45 out of his team's 81 total points in a dramatic, last-gasp 81-80 victory. The team settled for a second place finish against the ever-dominant Yugoslavian national basketball team
Yugoslavia national basketball team
The Yugoslavian national basketball team represented the Kingdom and socialist Yugoslavia. Its of governing body was the Basketball Federation of Yugoslavia, whose seat was in Belgrade....
.
Aris Thessaloniki
Averaging more than 30 points per game every season, Galis was the indisputable leader of Aris ThessalonikiAris BC
Aris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
. Playing alongside other great players at Aris such as Panagiotis Giannakis
Panagiotis Giannakis
Panagiotis Giannakis , nicknamed "The Dragon", is a retired Greek professional basketball player and coach. He is the former head coach of the pro club Olympiacos, and the Greek National Basketball Team. Under Giannakis' guidance, the Greek National team won the gold medal at the 2005 EuroBasket...
and Slobodan Subotić
Slobodan Subotic
Slobodan "Piksi" Subotić ) is a retired professional basketball player. A 2.01 m talented swingman, his incredible shooting ability helped Aris Thessaloniki qualify for three Euroleague final fours between 1988 and 1990. Subotić followed a successful career as a coach...
, Galis won 8 Greek Championships
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
(7 of them consecutively and 3 undefeated, in the years 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), 6 Greek Cups
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
(4 of them consecutively, in the years 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992), and led Aris to 3 consecutive appearances at the European Champions' Cup
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
Final Four
Euroleague Final Four
The Euroleague Final Four is the final four format championship of the Euroleague professional club basketball competition. The Euroleague used the final four format for the first time during the 1987-88 season. It is known as the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four for sponsorship reasons...
(1988–1990). In the one disappointment of an otherwise glittering career with Aris, all three European Champions' Cup appearances ended in defeat in the semi-finals, thus depriving him of the opportunity to shine on Europe's biggest club stage. The team's performances and general standard of play however won the heart of every basketball fan in Greece. Indeed, cinemas and theaters would often reduce their admission prices on Thursday evenings when Aris was playing and the entire country settled down to watch them on television.
After a disappointing season of his team in 1992, Galis was forced to leave Aris. The new president of Aris and the fact that the team was then in decay were the main causes for his departure. Galis, who adored Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki , historically also known as Thessalonica, Salonika or Salonica, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace...
, insisted about remaining in the club and playing for the team, as he believed that he still could offer much.
Panathinaikos
Galis moved to AthensAthens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
for Panathinaikos and was the captain
Captain (sports)
In team sports, a captain is a title given to a member of the team. The title is frequently honorary, but in some cases the captain may have significant responsibility for strategy and teamwork while the game is in progress on the field...
and the player that led Panathinaikos to a rebirth after the disappointing previous season that found the club in 8th place.
Galis inspired the young players of Panathinaikos such as Fragiskos Alvertis
Fragiskos Alvertis
Fragiskos Alvertis is a retired Greek professional basketball player. He was the captain of the Panathinaikos basketball team...
and Nikos Ekonomou
Nikos Ekonomou
Nikos Ekonomou is a retired Greek professional basketball player. He was a power forward, who played for many teams in his career. He also runs Basket4All, a basketball camp for young children.- Basketball career :...
and gradually brought back hope to the fans, to the point that Glyfada Indoor Hall
Glyfada Indoor Hall
Glyfada Indoor Hall, officially known as Makis Liougas Indoor Hall is an indoor arena in Glyfada, Athens, Greece. It was built in 1970 and is currently being used as the home arena of Panathinaikos VC...
was always overcrowded. In his first season (1992-93) that Galis played in Athens, Panathinaikos took second place in the Greek Championship, and won the Greek Cup
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
, the 7th Greek Cup for Galis.
The following year, Galis was the European Champions' Cup
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
top scorer (23.8 points per game in 21 games) and passer (4.7 assists per game in 21 games). He led Panathinaikos to the Final Four
Euroleague Final Four
The Euroleague Final Four is the final four format championship of the Euroleague professional club basketball competition. The Euroleague used the final four format for the first time during the 1987-88 season. It is known as the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four for sponsorship reasons...
where they placed 3rd, a success that Panathinaikos had never reached before. He had to be content with being the top scorer in the 3rd-place match against FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona Bàsquet
FC Barcelona Bàsquet, known as FC Barcelona Regal for sponsorship reasons, is a Spanish professional basketball club. It is part of the FC Barcelona sports club and was founded on August 24, 1926 which makes it the oldest club in Liga ACB. The club competes in the Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto...
. He made one of his greatest career games against Virtus Bologna
Virtus Bologna
-Notable players: Marco Bonamico 9 seasons: '75-'76, '77-'78, '80-'86, '88-'89 Carlo Caglieris 6 seasons: '75-'81 Pietro Generali 6 seasons: '75-'76, '78-'83 Gianni Bertolotti 5 seasons: '75-'80 Terry Driscoll 3 seasons: '75-'78 Eric Luc Leclerc 1 season: '75-'76 Luigi Serafini 2 seasons: '75-'77...
at the quarter-finals.
In his third season in Panthinaikos, Galis teamed up with Panagiotis Giannakis
Panagiotis Giannakis
Panagiotis Giannakis , nicknamed "The Dragon", is a retired Greek professional basketball player and coach. He is the former head coach of the pro club Olympiacos, and the Greek National Basketball Team. Under Giannakis' guidance, the Greek National team won the gold medal at the 2005 EuroBasket...
and Žarko Paspalj
Žarko Paspalj
Žarko Paspalj is a retired Serbian professional basketball player and current sports administrator...
to make a strong effort to win the Champions' Cup. Galis was the player who led Panathinaikos to the Top 16 group, as he prevented the elimination of Panathinaikos by Budivelnik Kiev. He was also the leader of the team in the win against Olympiacos
Olympiacos BC
Olympiacos B.C. , also known simply as Olympiacos and Olympiacos Piraeus, is a Greek professional basketball club, part of Olympiacos CFP, based in Piraeus. The basketball club, founded in 1931, is one of the most successful in Greece and a traditional powerhouse in European competitions...
in a Greek Cup
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
game at Sporting Sports Arena
Sporting Sports Arena
Sporting Sports Arena, AKA Sporting Indoor Hall is an indoor basketball sporting arena that is located in the area of Patissia, Athens, Greece. The current seating capacity of the arena is 2,200 people. The arena is currently home to the Greek professional basketball team AO Sporting. AO Sporting...
. But his career ended controversially on October 18, 1994 (a few games after the start of the 1994-95 season), when Kostas Politis
Kostas Politis
Konstantinos Politis is a retired Greek professional basketball player and coach.- Career as a Player :Politis played for Panathinaikos and he won 3 Greek Championships with them . In 1969, he was a Cup Winners' Cup semifinalist...
(coach of Panathinaikos at that time) chose not to include him in the starting line-up of a Greek Championship
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
game against Ambelokipi. Galis left the court, never again to return to action.
Professional career scoring statistics
| Competition | Games Played Games played Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,... |
Points Scored Point (basketball) Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws .... |
Scoring Average Points per game Points per game, often abbreviated PPG, is the average number of points scored by a player per game played in a sport, over the course of a series of games, a whole season, or a career. It is calculated by dividing the total number of points by number of games. The terminology is often used in... |
| Greek Championship A1 Ethniki The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA... |
|||
| Greek Cup | |||
| European Cups | |||
| FIBA International Competitions (Greek National Team) |
|||
| Career Totals |
Greek Championship season by season scoring stats
- (Counting regular season and playoffs.)
| Season | Competition | Games Played Games played Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,... |
Points Scored Point (basketball) Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws .... |
Scoring Average Points per game Points per game, often abbreviated PPG, is the average number of points scored by a player per game played in a sport, over the course of a series of games, a whole season, or a career. It is calculated by dividing the total number of points by number of games. The terminology is often used in... |
A1 Ethniki The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA... |
||||
Greek National Team
He averaged 33.3 points per game at the EuroBasket 1983EuroBasket 1983
-Venues:-Group A - Limoges :-Group B - Cannes :-Places 9 - 12:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # # # # # -Team rosters:...
, 33.5 points per game at the 1986 FIBA World Championship
1986 FIBA World Championship
The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
, 37.0 points per game at the EuroBasket 1987
Eurobasket 1987
The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
, 35.6 points per game at the EuroBasket 1989
EuroBasket 1989
-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
, and 32.4 points per game at the EuroBasket 1991
EuroBasket 1991
Eurobasket 1991 was the tournament contested by men's professional basketball teams from Europe. It was hosted by Italy.-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:...
. Galis was only a 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall combo guard
Combo Guard
A combo guard is a basketball player who combines the attributes of a shooting guard and point guard , but does not necessarily fit the standard description of either position...
. In every one of the games that Galis played in these tournaments, the entire defense of every opposing team was focused on stopping his scoring outbursts.
Galis' top 10 scoring FIBA rules games with the Greek National Team
| Points Scored | Date | Opponents | Final Game Score | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/5/1986 | Panama | 110-81 | 1986 FIBA World Championship 1986 FIBA World Championship The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid... |
|
| 9/10/1984 | Poland | 88-89 | EuroBasket 1985 Qualification | |
| 7/20/1986 | China | 111-112 | 1986 FIBA World Championship 1986 FIBA World Championship The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid... |
|
| 1/4/1981 | Finland | 101-92 | FIBA International Tournament | |
| 11/19/1989 | Denmark Denmark national basketball team The Danish national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Denmark in international competition.-Roster:Coach Peter Hoffman Assistant Coach Jesper Winther Serensen-Performance at Summer Olympics:-Eurobasket 1951:... |
113-91 | Friendly | |
| 11/29/1984 | Bulgaria | 91-84 | 1986 FIBA World Championship Qualification | |
| 5/23/1982 | Belgium | 97-72 | EuroBasket 1983 Qualification | |
| 6/20/1986 | Netherlands Netherlands national basketball team The Dutch national basketball team is the basketball side that represents the Netherlands in international competitions. It is administrated by the Netherlands Basketball Federation. When it qualified for the Eurobasket, team Netherlands has played quite competitive at some of the tournaments. The... |
104-88 | 1986 Acropolis International Tournament Acropolis International Tournament 1986 The Acropolis International Tournament 1986 was the 1st edition of the Acropolis International Basketball Tournament. It was held from June 18 to June 20, 1986, at the SEF arena in Piraeus, Athens, Greece... |
|
| 11/25/1989 | Romania | 97-77 | EuroBasket 1991 Qualification | |
| 6/24/1989 | Soviet Union Soviet Union national basketball team The Soviet national basketball team was the basketball side that represented the Soviet Union in international competitions. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the successor countries all set up their own national teams... |
81-80 | EuroBasket 1989 EuroBasket 1989 -Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac... |
Scoring statistics with the Greek National Team in FIBA rules games
| Tournament | Games Played | Points Scored | Scoring Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 Olympics Qualification | |||
| FIBA International Tournament (1980-89) | |||
| Friendlies (1981-91) | |||
| EuroBasket 1981 Qualification | |||
| EuroBasket 1981 EuroBasket 1981 The 1981 FIBA European Basketball Championship, commonly called EuroBasket 1981, was the 22nd regional championship held by FIBA Europe. The competition was hosted by Czechoslovakia and took place from May 26 to June 5, 1981... |
|||
| 1982 Balkan Games | |||
| EuroBasket 1983 Qualification | |||
| EuroBasket 1983 EuroBasket 1983 -Venues:-Group A - Limoges :-Group B - Cannes :-Places 9 - 12:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # # # # # -Team rosters:... |
|||
| 1984 Olympics Qualification | |||
| EuroBasket 1985 Qualification | |||
| 1984 Balkan Games | |||
| 1986 FIBA World Championship Qualification | |||
| 1986 Acropolis International Tournament Acropolis International Tournament 1986 The Acropolis International Tournament 1986 was the 1st edition of the Acropolis International Basketball Tournament. It was held from June 18 to June 20, 1986, at the SEF arena in Piraeus, Athens, Greece... |
|||
| 1986 FIBA World Championship 1986 FIBA World Championship The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid... |
|||
| 1986 Balkan Games | |||
| 1987 Acropolis International Tournament | |||
| EuroBasket 1987 Eurobasket 1987 The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body... |
|||
| 1988 Olympics Qualification | |||
| EuroBasket 1989 Qualification | |||
| 1989 Acropolis International Tournament | |||
| EuroBasket 1989 EuroBasket 1989 -Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac... |
|||
| EuroBasket 1991 Qualification | |||
| 1990 Acropolis International Tournament | |||
| 1991 Acropolis International Tournament | |||
| EuroBasket 1991 EuroBasket 1991 Eurobasket 1991 was the tournament contested by men's professional basketball teams from Europe. It was hosted by Italy.-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:... |
|||
| Career Totals |
Player profile
It has been noted that Galis was not only a legendary scorer, but was also a great play maker and passer. The vast majority of his points scored came inside the paint area due to his penetrating ability. Another enormous competitive advantage that Galis possessed was his incredible stamina, which was due to his exemplary physical condition. This led to his being given the nickname of "Iron Man". At the EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987
The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
, he was never once substituted out of any game after the second day of the competition.
Retirement
Since his official retirement on September 29, 1995, and up until early 2006, he has been the owner of a summer basketball camp in Halkidiki, Greece. The basketball camp is listed at the Athens Stock ExchangeAthens Stock Exchange
The Athens Stock Exchange or ASE or ATHEX is a stock exchange located in Athens, Greece.-History:The Athens Stock Exchange started trading in 1876. The Athens Stock Exchange is a subsidiary of Hellenic Exchanges S.A., whose shares are listed in ATHEX...
. As a token of appreciation for his contribution to Greek sport, Galis was chosen to be the first torch bearer in the final round of the Olympic Flame
Olympic Flame
The Olympic Flame or Olympic Torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, its origins lie in ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The fire was reintroduced at the 1928...
for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Galis entered the stadium at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony and set off the procession of the flame to the altar.
In September 2007, Nikos Galis was elected as a member of the first class of the FIBA Hall of Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame honors basketball players, coaches and administrators who have contributed to international competitive basketball. It was established by FIBA in 1991. It includes the "Samaranch Library", the biggest basketball library in the world that, as of 2007, has over 10,000 basketball...
, which includes the best basketball players in the history of the game internationally. Galis was inducted as a player. Bill Russell
Bill Russell
William Felton "Bill" Russell is a retired American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association...
of the famous Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
dynasty was another one of the 16 inaugural player inductees. Galis is also a member of the Greek Basketball Hall of Fame
Greek Basketball Hall of Fame
The Greek Basketball Hall of Fame is the sports hall of fame for professional basketball players and coaches that play and coach in the top professional basketball league of Greece, the Greek A1 League...
, inducted as a player. Galis is married to Eleni Panagiotou and he has one daughter, named Stella.
Awards and accomplishments
Galis won numerous titles and awards during his career and had many memorable single game performances. The following are some of them:
College
- Haggerty AwardHaggerty AwardThe Haggerty Award is given to the All-Metropolitan New York Division I men's college basketball player of the year, presented by the National Invitation Tournament and the Met Basketball Writers Association...
(New York Metro Area Player of the Year): 1979 - Member of the Seton Hall Athletic Hall of Fame: 1991
Pro career
Championships:- Won 8 Greek ChampionshipsA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
: 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 - Won 7 Greek CupsGreek basketball CupThe Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
: 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993
(In total, he won 15 championships in his pro club career as a player.)
Personal awards and achievements:
- 11x Greek League Scoring Champion: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
- 8x EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
Scoring Champion: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994 - Mediterranean Player of the Year: 1987
- 2x European Player of the YearEuropean Basketball Player of the Year AwardsThe European Basketball Player of the Year Awards are the three awards given out on a yearly basis to the best male European basketball player of the year. More specifically, those are the Mr. Europa award, which began in 1976, the Euroscar, established in 1979, and the FIBA Europe Player of the...
:- Euroscar European Player of the Year: 1987
- Mr. EuropaMr. EuropaThe Mister Europa European Player of the Year Award is an annual basketball award created in 1976 and given today by the panel of journalists of the Italian weekly magazine Superbasket. Its purpose is to praise the best European basketball player, regardless of where he plays in the world,...
European Player of the Year: 1987
- World's 10th Best Athlete (a vote that included all sports and all countries): 1987
- 4x Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
Most Valuable Player: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 - 4x Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
Assist Leader: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 - EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
Assist Leader: 1994 - Greek Cup all-time scoring leader: 1,935 points (35.2 ppg)
- Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
all-time scoring leader: 12,849 points (33.5 ppg) - EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
final stage all-time scoring leader: over 1,000 points - EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
: all-time scoring leader - Member of the Greek Basketball Hall of FameGreek Basketball Hall of FameThe Greek Basketball Hall of Fame is the sports hall of fame for professional basketball players and coaches that play and coach in the top professional basketball league of Greece, the Greek A1 League...
- Member of the FIBA Hall of FameFIBA Hall of FameFIBA Hall of Fame honors basketball players, coaches and administrators who have contributed to international competitive basketball. It was established by FIBA in 1991. It includes the "Samaranch Library", the biggest basketball library in the world that, as of 2007, has over 10,000 basketball...
: 2007 - Euroleague's 35 Greatest All-Time Players50 Greatest Euroleague ContributorsThe 50 Greatest Contributors in Euroleague History were chosen on February 3, 2008, in Madrid, Spain. The occasion was the fiftieth anniversary since the founding of the FIBA European Champions Cup, officially recognized as the predecessor to today's Euroleague.The list was made up of the...
: 2008 - Along with Panagiotis GiannakisPanagiotis GiannakisPanagiotis Giannakis , nicknamed "The Dragon", is a retired Greek professional basketball player and coach. He is the former head coach of the pro club Olympiacos, and the Greek National Basketball Team. Under Giannakis' guidance, the Greek National team won the gold medal at the 2005 EuroBasket...
, he led Aris ThessalonikiAris BCAris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
to an 80 game winning streak in the 1980s. - His personal scoring record in one game was 63 points, achieved in a Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
game in 1981 (Aris ThessalonikiAris BCAris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
vs. Ionikos NikaiasIonikos Nikaias BCIonikos Nikaias BC Ionikos Nikaias BC Ionikos Nikaias BC (in Greek: KAE Iωνικός Νικαίας is a Greek professional basketball club that was founded in Nikaia, Piraeus in 1965.-Arena:...
). However, in the same game, Ionikos' superstar Panagiotis GiannakisPanagiotis GiannakisPanagiotis Giannakis , nicknamed "The Dragon", is a retired Greek professional basketball player and coach. He is the former head coach of the pro club Olympiacos, and the Greek National Basketball Team. Under Giannakis' guidance, the Greek National team won the gold medal at the 2005 EuroBasket...
, who would later go on to become Galis' teammate on Aris, scored 73 points. - In 1981, he also had a 61 point game against Iraklis Thessaloniki.
- Also in 1981, he accomplished his career scoring high in a European continental competition, as he scored 57 points against Pallacanestro VeneziaPallacanestro VeneziaReyer VENEZIA 1872 is an Italian basketball club based in Venice which currently operates men's, women's, and youth teams. Founded in 1872 as the gymnastics club Società Sportiva Costantino Reyer, it started sponsoring basketball in 1907, and was known for many years as Pallacanestro Venezia.The...
during the 1981 Korać CupKorac CupThe Korać Cup was an annual basketball club competition held by FIBA between the 1971-72 and 2001-02 seasons. It was the third-tier level club competition in European basketball, after the European Champions' Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup...
. - His high scoring game in the Greek CupGreek basketball CupThe Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
was 57 points against Panellinios Athens in the 1987 cup final. - Also in 1987, he scored his career high in points in the old FIBA Champions' CupEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
(now called the EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
), as he scored 50 points in a game against Tracer MilanoOlimpia MilanoOlimpia Milano is a Lega Basket Italian professional basketball team, based in Milan, Italy, founded in 1936 by Milan businessman Adolfo Bogoncelli. Its colors are red and white, and the team is sometimes referred as "Scarpette Rosse" because team officials imported from the United States red...
. - He also holds 4 of the top 15 all-time individual scoring games in the Euroleague's modern record era (since 1991-1992).
- He scored 55 or more points in a game 10 times in his professional club career while playing with Aris ThessalonikiAris BCAris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
and Panathinaikos Athens. - In 1990, in a Saporta CupSaporta CupSaporta Cup was the name of the second-tier level European professional club basketball competition, where the National Cup winners from all over Europe played against each other. The competition was organized by FIBA Europe...
game versus Korihait UusikaupunkiKorihaitKorihait is a Finnish basketball team from Uusikaupunki. It was formed in 1898 and has won one Finnish Championship and two Finnish Cups . In 1994 UU had financial problems and it went to bankruptcy. After that Korihait took UU's place in the highest league.- External links :**...
, he dished out 23 FIBA assists, which is still the all-time single game assist record. - In 1993, while playing with Panathinaikos Athens in a revenge game against his former team Aris ThessalonikiAris BCAris Basketball Club is the professional basketball team of the Thessaloniki-based Greek sport club Aris Thessaloniki. Aris BC was founded in 1922, eight years after the founding of Aris Thessaloniki....
, he had a game for the ages. Galis shot 13/13 from the field and recorded 19 FIBA assists in the game.
Greek National Team
- In 169 FIBA rules games played with the Greek national basketball teamGreece national basketball teamThe Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
, he averaged 30.6 points per game. - Galis was the leading scorer in every major European and world international competition that he participated in from 1983 onwards, the EuroBasket 1983EuroBasket 1983-Venues:-Group A - Limoges :-Group B - Cannes :-Places 9 - 12:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # # # # # -Team rosters:...
, the 1986 FIBA World Championship1986 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
, the EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
, the EuroBasket 1989EuroBasket 1989-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
, and the EuroBasket 1991EuroBasket 1991Eurobasket 1991 was the tournament contested by men's professional basketball teams from Europe. It was hosted by Italy.-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:...
. - At the 1986 FIBA World Championship1986 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
, he scored 53 points in a game against the Panamanian national basketball team. - In the EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
final, he scored 40 points against the Soviet Union national basketball teamSoviet Union national basketball teamThe Soviet national basketball team was the basketball side that represented the Soviet Union in international competitions. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the successor countries all set up their own national teams...
. - In the EuroBasket 1989EuroBasket 1989-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
semifinal, he scored 45 points against the Soviet Union national basketball teamSoviet Union national basketball teamThe Soviet national basketball team was the basketball side that represented the Soviet Union in international competitions. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the successor countries all set up their own national teams...
. - 1980 Balkan Games: Gold Medal
- 1986 Balkan Games: Gold Medal
- 1986 FIBA World Championship1986 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
Scoring Champion: 1986 (33.5 ppg) - EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
: Gold Medal - EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
: All-Tournament Team - EuroBasket 1987Eurobasket 1987The EuroBasket 1987 was held in Greece between June 3 and June 14, 1987. Twelve national teams entered the event under the auspices of FIBA Europe, the sport's regional governing body...
: Most Valuable Player - EuroBasket 1989EuroBasket 1989-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
: Silver Medal - EuroBasket 1989EuroBasket 1989-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:#Yugoslavia: Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Stojan Vranković, Predrag Danilović, Jure Zdovc, Zoran Čutura, Zdravko Radulović, Zoran Radović, Mario Primorac...
: All-Tournament Team - EuroBasket 1991EuroBasket 1991Eurobasket 1991 was the tournament contested by men's professional basketball teams from Europe. It was hosted by Italy.-Group A:-Group B:-Places 5 - 8:-Places 1 - 4:-Finals:-Final rankings:# # # # # # # # -Team rosters:...
: All-Tournament Team - 4x EuroBasketEurobasketThe EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
Scoring Champion: 1983 (33.3 ppg), 1987 (37.0 ppg), 1989 (35.6 ppg), 1991 (32.4 ppg) - Greek National Basketball Team 2nd all-time scoring leader: 5,163 points (30.6 ppg)
External links
- NBA Draft Profile
- HallofFame.FIBA.com – Nikos Galis
- Euroleague.net 50 Greatest Contributors – Galis
- Galis FIBA Europe Profile
- FIBAEurope.com Galis Story
- Nick Galis Unofficial Website
- Interbasket.net Galis Profile
- Fotios.org Galis Article
- 10DailyThings.com Galis – A European Legend
- GrHomeBoy.com Galis Inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame
- Books.Google.com Seton Hall Pirates Nick Galis
- SHUPPirates.com Seton Hall Records
- Euroleague.net Galis Scores 63