Aris begins new season under coach Spanoulis: Ambitions and challenges

On September 2, 2026, in the city of Thessaloniki, basketball club Aris officially began its first training session of the 2026-2026 season under new head coach Vassilis Spanoulis. The session took place as the team prepares for both the Greek Basketball League (Stoiximan GBL) and the European Eurocup competition, with new expectations from fans and experts alike. The arrival of Spanoulis, one of Greek basketball's greatest legends, has generated significant excitement. As a former national team captain and one of the best guards in European basketball history, Spanoulis brings a fresh tactical vision and high professional standards. However, the first training session also revealed considerable challenges as the squad was incomplete due to injuries to several key players. Most notably absent was Kostas Antetokounmpo, younger brother of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 27-year-old center is undergoing treatment for a knee injury, an issue that, based on my years of experience following the sport, could be a persistent concern. His history of lower-body injuries suggests this is not the first time he has faced problems in this area, and the current treatment may affect his availability early in the season. Alongside Kostas, two other players were absent from the first session: Adam Mokoka and Giorgos Tanoulis. The absence of these three players means the team cannot achieve optimal roster preparation from the very first days. This is particularly important as the team needs to integrate a new tactical system under a new coach. A bright spot in the session was the presence of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis's older brother, who just joined Aris during the summer transfer window. At 32, Thanasis is no longer at his peak but brings abundant energy, passionate defense, and elite-level experience from the NBA. His presence alongside his younger brother Kostas creates an interesting family storyline, but also raises questions about how Coach Spanoulis will utilize this player known for high energy but limited offensive capabilities. Tactically, while there is little specific information from the first session, I believe Spanoulis, as a legendary point guard, will prioritize building an offense around intelligent ball handling and pick-and-roll situations. These are plays he himself mastered throughout his illustrious playing career. However, these are predictive assessments based on his general basketball philosophy, with no concrete evidence from training sessions yet. Aris's roster this season blends experience and youth. Alongside the Antetokounmpo brothers, the team features Greek national team players such as Toliopoulos and Charalampopoulos, who have previously worked under Spanoulis with the national team. This familiarity could be a major advantage in the early stages as the new tactical system is being implemented. Additionally, the presence of Canadian player Kem Birch shows the team is focused on strengthening its frontcourt. According to the schedule, Aris will play its first friendly match on September 6 against Vikos Falcons, a lower-division team. This match will be the first opportunity for fans and experts to see early signs of Spanoulis's tactical system. However, with several key players absent due to injuries, this match may not fully reflect the team's true strength. Looking at the broader season picture, Aris faces a significant challenge. In the Greek domestic league, the dominance of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos is unlikely to change in the short term. However, with a talented coach like Spanoulis and a roster with considerable depth, Aris can certainly compete for a top position in the standings. In the Eurocup, which features strong teams like Valencia and Hapoel Tel Aviv, the most realistic goal for Aris is to qualify for the playoffs. One of my biggest concerns right now is Kostas Antetokounmpo's injury status. If his knee injury is more serious than expected, Aris's frontcourt would be significantly weakened, forcing the coaching staff to make mid-season roster adjustments. This could affect the team's stability during a crucial period. In terms of media, Spanoulis's return as a club head coach will certainly attract significant attention from Greek media. With his past ties to Olympiacos, Aris's eternal rival, the Spanoulis story will always have a special angle. However, what matters is that the team focuses on the work on the training court rather than being distracted by side stories. As the new season approaches, Aris needs to quickly resolve injury issues and complete its roster. Players missing the first training session will be slower in grasping the new tactical system, creating a disparity in readiness among team members. This is a challenge the coaching staff needs to handle skillfully. I assess that Aris has a good foundation to build a successful season, but also faces considerable risks. The combination of a talented coach, an experienced roster, and high expectations from fans creates significant pressure. However, if everything goes according to plan, this could be one of Aris's most memorable seasons in recent decades. The first training session is just the beginning of a long journey. What matters most now is that the team maintains patience, focuses on the development process, and continuously improves day by day. With the guidance of someone who has experienced the biggest games in Europe like Spanoulis, I believe Aris is on the right track, though the road ahead remains challenging.