2020 INDUCTEES – NHIBT HALL OF FAME
Chris Atsaves, St. Demetrios-Chicago
Pete Kladis, Ypsilanti
Sam Kladis, Ypsilanti
Dean Stavrakas, St. Demetrios-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 all for participating in the 89th Annual NHIBT 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.
This year we had forty-nine (49) teams participate in the NHIBT. As we continue to show our commitment to the future and the past, we introduced two (2) new divisions; the Ladies High School and the Men over 40 division. We continue to evolve and focus on our over-arching goal to make the NHIBT the tournament of choice for the Hellenic community.
As we continue to grow, we ask everyone to Give, Advocate, and Volunteer to the NHIBT. This event has given the local community, dare we say the nation, so much. Please take a moment to visit our website as it has been updated with several cherished memories. We continue to focus on our mission to Promote, Support, and Preserve Hellenism through competition and fellowship.
I know we all look forward to seeing you again next year. Next year is another significant milestone in our distinguished history. We celebrate our 90th year! Hope to see you all as we celebrate this momentous occasion!
All the best,
