2019 Inductees – NHIBT Hall of Fame
Nick Kladis (bio)
Jared Dimakos (bio)
Jared Dimakos, St. Demetrios – Chicago
Nick Kladis, Ypsilanti – Chicago
A native of Mount Morris
Gus Ganakas Memorial Coaching Award to be given annually to the Outstanding Coach during the NHIBT tournament.
A native of Mount Morris, N.Y., Gus earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Michigan State in 1949, and a master’s degree in the same field in 1950.
Gus became an assistant men’s basketball coach at Michigan State in 1966 before taking over as the head coach three years later-becoming one of the first Greek American Division 1 Head Coaches. He led the team to an overall record of 89-84 in seven seasons as head coach. His most successful seasons were in 1973-74 and 1974-75 when the Spartans posted a 17-9 overall record.
Gus’ coaching career ended in 1976 but continued to be part of the Michigan State Athletic Department. Gus had recruited Greg Kelser before leaving and was instrumental in Earvin (Magic) Johnson and Jay Vincent attending Michigan State.
Thereafter Gus was color commentator of Michigan State Basketball for 30 years. Current Michigan State Head Coach, Tom Izzo, said “There is no doubt that Spartan Basketball wouldn’t be what it is today without Gus Ganakas.”
Gus was 92 and is remembered fondly by his many friends in the Greek American Basketball Community.
Message from the President
On behalf of the NHIBT Tournament Committee, and the entire Hellenic Community of Chicago, I want to thank you for participating in the 88th Annual NHIB Tournament!
We hope you, your coaches, players and family members all had an enjoyable weekend of athletic competition and fellowship. Our committee is deeply grateful for your support of this long-standing tournament, particularly because we know how much goes into planning and organizing groups to travel, attend, and participate in this magnificent event.
We have updated our website with championships, images, and several memories. You can also go to our NHIBT Facebook page and catch additional photos and highlights of the weekend events and games. Please “like”, explore, enjoy, share and follow the NHIBT. We continue to focus on our mission to Promote, Support, and Preserve Hellenism through competition and fellowship. With our vision, along with our over-arching goals, we strategize to make the NHIBT the tournament of choice for the Hellenic community to compete in and support.
I know we all look forward to seeing you again next year at the 89th annual NHIB Tournament.
All the best,
