Greek-Australian listeners were treated to a special surprise: international basketball star and Panathinaikos forward Dinos Mitoglou joined Kostas Paterakis live on 3XY’s Radio Hellas “Sports Sunday” program.
This exclusive was conducted interview ahead of his team’s highly anticipated tour to Australia this September.
The reason for the excitement? For the first time ever, the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament — one of the most prestigious basketball events hosted by Panathinaikos — will be held outside of Greece, and specifically, on Australian soil. This historic moment will see Panathinaikos, a club with seven European titles, face off against fellow European powerhouse Partizan Belgrade, as well as two top Australian teams. The headline matchup between Panathinaikos and Partizan is scheduled for September 18 in Melbourne.
Dinos Mitoglou: From Thessaloniki to the World
Mitoglou, born in Thessaloniki in 1996, plays as a power forward for Panathinaikos and the Greek national team. He began his basketball journey at the Asteria Academy, later playing briefly for Aris Thessaloniki before heading to the U.S. to play college basketball at Wake Forest University, where he participated in 96 games over three years.
Returning to Greece in 2017, Mitoglou joined Panathinaikos and eventually signed with Olimpia Milano in 2021. After two years in Italy, he returned to Panathinaikos in 2023 with a three-year contract. He has 42 appearances and nearly 400 points with the Greek national team.
Mitoglou played a crucial role last season in helping Panathinaikos win their seventh Greek championship, ending a 12-year title drought.
“We’re proud to represent Panathinaikos in Australia”
When asked about his reaction to the news that the team would travel 22,000 kilometers to Australia, Mitoglou expressed genuine excitement:
“It’s something unique. It’s amazing how professional sports can take you to places like this. We’re proud to represent Panathinaikos and Mr. Pavlos Giannakopoulos in Australia. We know how strong the Greek community is there, and we’re honored to make this journey.”
He reflected on the emotional atmosphere at last year’s historic match at the Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens, where 40,000 fans filled the iconic venue:
“Looking into the stands, left and right, it was overwhelming. The love from the fans was unbelievable.”
Almost an Australian
In a touching revelation, Mitoglou shared that when he was just two or three years old, his father had a professional opportunity in Australia, and the family almost moved there — but eventually stayed in Greece.
Though he has no relatives in Australia, he’s confident that the Greek diaspora will embrace the team with open arms:
“I’ve heard how much Greeks abroad love and miss their homeland. We’ll do everything we can to return that love.”
From the Pool to the Court
Interestingly, Mitoglou didn’t start in basketball. His father, a former footballer, first put him in swimming, and then soccer:
“He wanted me to become a goalkeeper, but I told him, ‘Dad, I want to play basketball.’ I was always taller than other kids, and I fell in love with the game.”
Thanks to Coach Rodopoulos, Mitoglou set his sights on the U.S., who encouraged him to pursue college basketball, eventually leading him to Wake Forest.
“College opened my mind, my horizons — not just as an athlete, but as a person.”
On Pavlos Giannakopoulos’ legacy
Although Mitoglou never met Pavlos Giannakopoulos — the legendary owner who transformed Panathinaikos — he spoke with great respect:
“He lived and breathed Panathinaikos. He didn’t just build a team — he created a generation of fans, even those who weren’t born Panathinaikos supporters. He grew Greek basketball.”
Eyes on the Future: National Team and EuroLeague
Mitoglou is also part of Greece’s preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2025, which begins in Cyprus and concludes in Riga, Latvia. Under new head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, the team aims high — and Mitoglou says the focus is clear:
“The goal is always medals. But we need to stay humble and work hard.”
On Panathinaikos’ future, Mitoglou is optimistic. He praised recent signings, particularly the return of Mathias Lessort, who missed much of last season due to injury:
“He’s the best center in Europe in my opinion. His absence last year hurt us, but he’s recovering well, and we’re excited to have him back.”
He also emphasized how much tougher the EuroLeague has become:
“It’s becoming a mini-NBA. More games, higher budgets — it’s more competitive than ever.”
Final Message to Greek-Australians
Mitoglou closed with a heartfelt message to Greek fans in Australia:
“It’s our honor to come to Australia. We can’t wait to meet you, feel your love, and give it back. See you soon.”
Dinos Mitoglou’s journey from Thessaloniki to Wake Forest, Milano, and now Australia is a testament to passion, hard work, and the global reach of basketball. As Panathinaikos prepares to make history Down Under, Greek fans worldwide have every reason to be proud.
Panathinaikos vs. Partizan – September 18, Melbourne. Don’t miss it.
