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EuroLeague, Olympiacos legend Georgios Printezis retires

EuroLeague, Olympiacos legend Georgios Printezis retires

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17 June 20223 Mins read

EuroLeague, Olympiacos legend Georgios Printezis retires

The author of the only season-ending shot ever made to decide a major international club title, Olympiacos Piraeus legend Georgios Printezis, wrapped up his playing career on Friday after 20 years as a professional.

Printezis, 37, will forever be linked to the most iconic EuroLeague play so far this century, his game-winning, last-second floater to lift Olympiacos to the continental title in 2012, capping the team's 19-point comeback in a span of 12 minutes against mighty CSKA Moscow in Istanbul. That historic shot ended a 15-year title drought for the club that Printezis cheered for from the stands as a fan during his childhood.

That unforgettable moment was a testament, as well, to his standing as one of the finest shot-makers in the game. As a 2.05-meter forward who loved the low post, Printezis was revolutionary for his incredible footwork, magical ball fakes and uncanny ability to shoot with either hand. Often as not, his 1,194 two-pointers made – the second-highest total in EuroLeague history – were shot with a single hand touching the ball, just like the one with which he made basketball history.

All told, Printezis played 17 seasons for Olympiacos in three different stints interrupted by a one-season stop with Olimpia Larissa of Greece, in 2006-07, and two with Unicaja Malaga of Spain between 2009 and 2011. His return to Olympiacos coincided with a remarkable decade's worth of success for him and the Reds.

Printezis was essential in helping the Reds successfully defend their 2012 title one year later in London to become the EuroLeague's only back-to-back champion of the 2010s. They went on to reach two more EuroLeague championship games together, in 2015 and 2017. They also shared two other Final Four appearances, in 2009 and 2022, for a total of six touching three different decades.

An icon well beyond Piraeus for his combination of unique skill and professionalism, Printezis was voted in 2020 to the EuroLeague All-Decade team by fans, media, coaches and his fellow players. From 2010 to 2020, he ranked fourth among all EuroLeague players in total performance index rating (2,916), and fifth in both scoring (2,696 points) and rebounds (1,117). He was one of just two players to register 2,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in the 2010s. He was also chosen to the 2016-17 All-EuroLeague First Team. All-time, Printezis ranks second in games played (375), fourth in scoring (3,599 points), sixth in rebounds (1,452) and seventh in PIR (3,818).

Outside of his EuroLeague success, Printezis helped Olympiacos win four Greek League titles – in 2012, 2015, 2016 and this season – and two Greek Cup trophies, in 2011 and 2022. Printezis also won the 2013 Intercontinental Cup with Olympiacos and helped the Greek national team take a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2009.