Spanoulis Blasts Aris Players After Season-Opening Loss to Karditsa
Aris coach calls team's collapse 'a disgrace' and warns players unable to handle pressure will not remain with the club.
KEY POINTS
- Aris lost season opener to Karditsa at home after leading early.
- Spanoulis called the team's collapse a 'disgrace' and 'shameful'.
- Coach warned players who cannot handle pressure will be moved on.
- Aris committed 21 turnovers, 15 leading directly to opponent transition.
- Spanoulis accepted responsibility but criticized players' body language and fear.
Aris Thessaloniki opened its Greek Basket League season with a home loss to Karditsa on Friday, collapsing after a strong first quarter. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis delivered a scathing post-game assessment, labeling the team's performance a "disgrace" in front of their fans.
Spanoulis said Aris played well for the first 10-11 minutes before chaos ensued, with players suddenly forgetting how to play basketball. He emphasized that Karditsa deserved the win because they played harder and imposed greater physical intensity.
“Whoever cannot play under pressure will not be able to continue in the team.”
The coach rejected excuses regarding the team's newness or pressure, stating it was a matter of mentality. He warned that any player who cannot perform under pressure will not continue with the team, adding that the club will reach its potential only through adversity.
Spanoulis accepted personal responsibility for failing to convince the players of the required approach, but highlighted 21 turnovers — 15 resulting in live-ball turnovers — as unacceptable. He specifically criticized the players' body language, saying they played scared.
Aris also shot poorly from three-point range, compounding the issues in the season opener. The loss serves as an early test for a rebuilt roster under the former EuroLeague star.
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