Aris begins new journey under Spanoulis: First training reveals challenges ahead

On September 2, 2026, at the Nick Galis Hall in Thessaloniki, Aris's first training session under new head coach Vassilis Spanoulis took place in an atmosphere full of expectation. But behind the smiles and handshakes, the full picture of the 2026-25 season for this team is emerging with many interwoven shades. Spanoulis, a legend of Greek and European basketball, officially took the hot seat at Aris after leaving his role as head coach of the Greek national team. His arrival at a mid-tier club like Aris – a team competing in the Stoiximan GBL and the Eurocup – is a strong statement of ambition. But ambition alone is not enough to win, and the first training session exposed significant challenges. The most notable absence on opening day was Kostas Antetokounmpo. The 27-year-old center, younger brother of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, is undergoing treatment for a knee injury. This is a concerning signal, as Kostas's history of lower-body injuries has never been positive. If this injury lingers, Aris's frontcourt will be severely weakened, forcing the coaching staff to find alternatives early in the season. Additionally, Adam Mokoka and Giorgos Tanoulis were also sidelined due to injuries. The absence of three players in the first training session means they will be slower in absorbing the new coach's tactical playbook. In modern basketball, where every small detail can make a difference, the lack of shared practice time could lead to a disparity in tactical readiness among team members. The only bright spot on training day was the presence of Thanasis Antetokounmpo. The 32-year-old, older brother of Giannis, joined Aris on a new contract. His NBA experience with the Milwaukee Bucks and his high-energy playing style will be valuable assets for the team. However, his offensive limitations – low three-point percentage and below-average creation ability – may force Coach Spanoulis to carefully consider his usage in lineups that need offensive spacing. Another positive point is the relationship between Coach Spanoulis and the Greek players on the roster. Vassilis Toliopoulos and Vasilis Charalampopoulos have both worked under Spanoulis with the national team. This familiarity creates a solid foundation in the locker room, making tactical communication easier. However, Spanoulis's demanding and detail-oriented coaching style may initially create pressure for players unaccustomed to this level of rigor. Tactically, while no specific data is available from the training session, based on Spanoulis's philosophy as a player – a genius guard with exceptional pick-and-roll handling – one can expect him to build an offense centered around pick-and-roll situations and structured attacks. However, these are merely speculations based on experience, and reality will be tested through friendly matches. Aris's first friendly match will take place on September 6, 2026, against Vikos Falcons, a lower-division team. This will be the first opportunity for fans to see Spanoulis's tactical fingerprints, while also serving as a test of squad readiness. However, a weak opponent may create a false sense of security, and the coaching staff should be cautious in evaluating the result. Regarding Aris's standing in the new season, the team sits in the mid-tier of the Eurocup – not a title contender but capable of competing for a playoff spot. Domestically, the dominance of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos is unlikely to change, but Aris can certainly compete for third or fourth place. The arrival of Spanoulis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo will undoubtedly boost the team's media appeal, but that does not automatically translate into on-court results. One issue to monitor is Aris's management of foreign player quotas. With several international players on the roster, including Canadian Kem Birch, the management must ensure compliance with Greek league regulations regarding foreign player limits. This is an administrative matter but could affect personnel planning if not handled carefully. Overall, Aris's first training session under Spanoulis brings much expectation but also considerable concern. Injuries to key players, the adaptation process to a new system, and pressure from fan expectations are significant challenges. However, with a talented coach like Spanoulis and quality additions like Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Aris has the conditions to build a successful season – if everything goes according to plan. The biggest question right now is not where Aris will finish, but how long this team will take to operate smoothly under the new philosophy. In basketball, time is the most precious resource, and with a dense schedule ahead, Aris has no time to hesitate. Every blockbuster deal begins with a clause others overlook – and for Aris, that clause is the ability to maintain faith during this turbulent transition period.