2026 NHIBT Hall of Fame class. Special thanks to premiere partner/sponsors GP Financial, Dalmares Produce, and the Alexander S. Pissios Foundation

NHIBT announces 2026 Hall of Fame class

National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament in Chicago – NHIBT

[CHICAGO, IL, USA] The board of directors of the National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament announces its 2026 Hall of Fame class in advance of the 96th annual tournament, to be played March 27-29 at the state-of-the-art Connect-44 facility in Lombard, Illinois. The official Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held Sunday afternoon prior to NHIBT championship games.

The NHIBT, founded in 1931 during the Depression, was first hosted at a now demolished gymnasium on the site of DePaul University’s North Side campus. The NHIBT is America’s oldest and longest-running Greek basketball tournament. Many players call it their “NBA,” being able to continue careers long past the time their high school and college eligibility elapsed. Lifelong friendships and professional associations have ensued thanks to the community and support system of this grand old tournament, which is also the second oldest tournament of any kind whatsoever in the USA, surpassed by a few short years by the Illinois High School Athletic Association tournament.

Throughout the years, the NHIBT has been played at DePaul, Cicero Stadium, Fenwick H.S., Elmhurst College, Connect-44 and a number of area Greek Orthodox churches. The tournament has featured a wealth of NCAA talent and in fact two NHIBT players also played in the NBA – Nick Mantis of the then Minneapolis Lakers and currently John Poulakidas of the Dallas Mavericks, who suited up briefly for the Ypsilanti Sons of Pericles as a high school senior (c.2021) before continuing his career at Yale University and then on to the NBA G-League and today he’s a 2-way player for the Mavericks’ NBA team.

Jim Balaban, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee

Growing up in the inner-city streets of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood—long before its transformation— I found a safe haven at the DePaul Settlement House, where my love for basketball and baseball first took root. The passion for basketball deepened when my family began attending Saint Demetrios Church on the city’s North Side. It was there that I developed not only as a player, but as a person, forming lifelong relationships within a community I consider family.

Under the guidance of coaches such as Tom Panouses and Frank Nicholson, and alongside teammates and close friends, including my basketball brothers, Steve and Jimmy Pappas, Pete Kanavos, Kirk Vidas, and Bill Rozakis, I spent nearly two decades immersed in the game. Saint Demetrios basketball was more than competition—it was a culture built on brotherhood, tradition, and pride.

Beginning in the GOBL weekly church league, I went on to compete in tournaments across the country, in cities like Boston, Denver, Detroit, Milwaukee, etc.  However, the highlight of my basketball journey was participation in The NHIBT, which is considered by many the most prestigious of all tournaments. One I truly looked forward to each and every year. Cicero Stadium was the Home of The NHIBT for over sixty years. Each year’s tournament brought together competition, community, and a shared celebration of Greek heritage.

For me, Greek basketball and the NHIBT were not just activities but a “Way of Life.” I remain deeply proud and grateful for the experiences, relationships, and memories that continue to shape me today. Through these experiences, it built lasting friendships and memories that extended far beyond the court.

I want to say thank you to the NHIBT committee for bestowing me this honor.

CONNIE BARKOULIES (Boston, MA)

Connie Barkoulies, NHIBT HOF Class of 2026

Connie Barkoulies’ basketball journey has been defined by a lifelong love of the game, deep family roots, and a lasting commitment to the Hellenic basketball community. A standout at the high school level, Connie earned IHSA All‑Conference and All‑Area honors, and her talent led to an invitation to compete with the Greek U20 Women’s Team. She continued her competitive career at DePaul University, playing through the Club program and helping lead the team to its first‑ever National Tournament appearance at Ohio State, a milestone achievement in the program’s history.

Connie has been a part of the NHIBT since her early childhood, growing up on the courts watching and aspiring to emulate many of the great Hellenic athletes who came before her. She was first introduced to the game and coached by her father, Peter Barkoulies, who remains her most influential mentor and confidant. Her journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her parents, brother, and extended family, who have always shown up to cheer her on no matter the distance.

Connie Barkoulies and her NHIBT running-mates

Over the years, Connie has captured 6+ NHIBT championships and all-tournament honors, including titles with Boston, Group Home, and Papaflessas. She has been fortunate to play alongside and against some of the top Hellenic talent but is most proud to take the court with lifelong friends who have become family to her on Team Boston. Connie continues to compete in the NHIBT today and hopes to do so for years to come. Off the court, Connie is a CPA and Director at EY‑Parthenon, where she works in the firm’s Strategy & Execution practice.

Being inducted into the NHIBT Hall of Fame is a profound honor for Connie, especially alongside many of the great players and contributors she grew up admiring. It represents not only a personal achievement, but a lifelong connection to the game, Hellenic community, and the NHIBT values.

CHRISTINE DIMOULIS (St. Haralambos – Niles, IL)

Christine Dimoulis Iliopoulos (left), 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee, taking in a Celtics game at the TD Garden in Boston

Christine Dimoulis Iliopoulos was born in Chicago and raised in Skokie, IL, alongside her parents and younger sister. She discovered her passion for basketball a little later than most—during junior high—but fully committed herself to the sport the summer before freshman year. Nearly every day, she would bike to her local park with her basketball tucked inside a Jewel-Osco plastic bag, determined to improve.

That dedication carried her into high school, where she played on the school team for two years before being introduced to Greek Orthodox basketball through a friend from St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles. Because not every parish had a high school girls’ team, Christine decided to attend a few practices to see if the program would be a good fit. That decision changed everything.

It was there she met Coach D (Demetri Georgatsos), one of the most influential coaches in her basketball journey. He opened the door to NHIBT and other Orthodox tournament/leagues in Chicago and Detroit, putting Christine on a path filled with individual honors—including MVP, All-Star selections, and various notable distinctions—along with multiple championship seasons. More importantly, she gained teammates who would become lifelong friends.

Christine Dimoulis Iliopoulos and family

Christine continued playing intramurals, tournaments, and pickup games throughout her 20s, and eventually returned to give back to the community that welcomed her. She volunteered as a coach for the high school girls’ team and helped run the 3-point contest at the AHEPA Marrow Tournament alongside Dr. John Venetos, tourney president. Her memories of Orthodox basketball remain deeply meaningful, and she credits many of her personal and professional successes to the coaches, mentors, and teammates who shaped her along the way—and even to the knee injuries that pushed her to become tougher, more determined, and more grateful for every moment on the court.

In her early 30s, Christine relocated to Boston, MA, where she now lives with her husband, Sotirios, and their three young boys—Evripidis, Nikolaos, and Theodoros. She continues to play the game that helped define her and hopes her children find a sport or hobby they love as much as she loves basketball. So far, her two oldest boys are already involved in local basketball leagues, and she’s hopeful the youngest will join them soon.

And who knows—maybe one day Christine will lead a team from Boston back to compete in the NHIBT tournament, bringing her story full circle. But until then, she is grateful for this tremendous honor and hopes it gives her some “cred” with her children as they grow up.

GP Financial, 2026 premiere NHIBT partner/sponsor

SOPHIA FUENTES (AHEPA MARROW, Chicago)

Sophia Fuentes, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee

Sophia Fuentes and family

TESSA HALDES (St. George, Chicago)

Tessa Haldes, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee

Tessa Haldes, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee, goes in for the layup while playing for the Northwestern University Wildcats

COSTA PANAGOS (Ypsilanti, Chicago)

Friends and family. 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee Costa Panagos (left) and his Ypsilanti teammate and longtime friend John Economos, another NHIBT Hall of Famer, holding their kids prior to an NHIBT game

Costa Panagos was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and began his athletic journey at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (then in Olympia Fields, now in Homer Glen). He participated in the inaugural Greek Orthodox Junior Olympics hosted by Sts. Constantine & Helen Church and quickly developed a love for basketball through church league competition.

In 1987, Assumption – one of the smaller parishes – fielded a team consisting of Costa and five others, including his two younger brothers, coached by Ernie Dunbar. That group captured the G.O.B.L. Championship, and Costa was named MVP. During those same years, his District 159 (Matteson, IL) school team compiled an impressive 47–1 record across seventh and eighth grade.

Costa went on to excel at Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox as a multi-sport athlete in basketball and football. The 1990-1991 the Lincoln-Way basketball team finished 24–4, winning the S.I.C.A. West and matching the best record in school history at the time. He earned All-Conference and All-Area in both sports, and All-State Honorable Mention in football. In 1991, he was named Lincoln-Way Athlete of the Year, recognized as a Chicago Sun-Times Boys Basketball Player of the Week, and received the John P. Vlahos Award from AHEPA as the nation’s top Greek-American high school scholar-athlete.

Costa Panagos and his kids at a recent NHIBT tournament

Though basketball was always his true passion, Costa chose to continue his athletic career in football at Brown University. A four-year letterman and starter at Tight End, he graduated with a degree in Biology and was awarded the Eugene C. Swift Award, given for courage, character, fairness, and devotion to the team.

Though basketball was always his true passion, Costa chose to continue his athletic career in football at Brown University. A four-year letterman and starter at tight end, he graduated with a degree in biology and was awarded the Eugene C. Swift Award, given for courage, character, fairness, and devotion to the team.

Costa remained deeply connected to Greek basketball and became a long-time NHIBT competitor and repeat champion. For many years, he played with Ypsilanti alongside fellow NHIBT Hall of Famers including Coach Denny Kladis and John Economos. In 2006, Ypsilanti completed a historic 17–0 season across all major Chicago Greek tournaments — running the table in a year that remains one of the most memorable in modern Greek basketball.
Known for his physical play, relentless rebounding, and willingness to embrace any role necessary to win, Costa loved the game, the passion of competition, and the camaraderie built through battles on the court. Beyond championships, Greek basketball shaped many of Costa’s closest lifelong friendships. The NHIBT represents more than competition; it embodies faith, heritage, fellowship, and community. Many former rivals have become lifelong friends — a testament to the bonds forged through Greek basketball.

Today, Costa is a proud member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he serves on the Parish Council and is an active member of AHEPA. His wife Francesca currently serves as President of Philoptochos. They remain passionate supporters of Greek basketball and frequently travel back to Chicagoland so their children, Giorgios (15) and Elena (14), can compete in the NHIBT and continue the tradition that has meant so much to him.

Costa is deeply honored and humbled to be inducted into the NHIBT Hall of Fame.

Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation, 2026 NHIBT premiere partner/sponsor

STEVE PETRIDES (Holy Trinity, Chicago)

Steve Petrides and his kids at a recent Greek tournament

Born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago to Paul and Anna, baseball was my first love. While attending Socrates Greek School I was told I was tall and should play for the church team. The love affair with basketball began that Sunday to a packed Holy Trinity gym playing against churches that I have never heard of and then on to my first NHIBT Tournament at old Cicero Stadium. Traveling to away tournaments representing Chicago was a special moment especially with the friends and memories that were made.

TERRY POULOS (St. John’s – Des Plaines, IL)

Terry Poulos, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee, on the Milwaukee Bucks home court pregame where he had his hand swallowed hole by the gargantuan handshake of “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo

For 20 years, Terry served as an NHIBT board member, handling publicity and the ad book. Today, he serves on the NHIBT Advisory Committee. Terry is also a member of the Supreme AHEPA Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He covered Greek sports in general for two decades for The Greek Star newspaper, and continues with the Hellenic News of America. Terry currently publishes the “Greek Hoop Scoop” Facebook group, promoting the tournaments and championing Greek American players.

Terry Poulos pregame for Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ

Dalmaras Produce, 2026 NHIBT premiere partner/sponsor

DR. NICK ROUMPAKIS (East Chicago, IN)

Dr. Nick Roumpakis, 2026 NHIBT HOF inductee

I am deeply humbled and grateful to be inducted into the NHIBT Hall of Fame, and I sincerely thank the NHIBT Board for this meaningful honor.

My basketball journey began in East Chicago, Indiana. After losing my father at the age of six, my mother raised me as a single parent and stressed the importance of education and sports. Growing up in a city with a rich basketball tradition, I developed my love for the game playing pickup basketball with NHIBT Hall of Famer Teddy Kounelis in neighborhood alleys and playgrounds.

During high school, I served as student manager for the basketball teams at East Chicago Washington High School during an era when the city’s two high schools won back-to-back Indiana state championships. Our church team later became the first Indiana team to join Chicago’s Greek Orthodox Basketball League (GOBL), thanks to John Katsoulis, and was coached by NHIBT Hall of Famers Frank Kollintzas and John Kountoures alongside teammates including NHIBT Hall of Famers Chris Kouros and Alex Kountoures, along with George and Gus Angelopoulos, Thad Kanavos, Tom Gober, and Louie Kavourinos. Teddy and I played guard, and in our first GOBL season we won the Consolation Championship and later competed at the historic NHIBT at Cicero Stadium.

I earned a Biology degree from Indiana University Northwest and later a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences. I went on to practice orthopedics and sports medicine and served as team doctor for Calumet High School under legendary coach Carl Traicoff.

Dr. Nick Roumpakis and his Indiana teammates at Cicero Stadium in the NHIBT heyday

I continued coaching church basketball teams, including NHIBT Hall of Famer and overseas professional player Chris Kostouros, and later coached the girls team at Sts. Constantine & Helen in Merrillville, Indiana, leading them to the South League Championship game. In 1985, Teddy Kounelis and I competed in the AHEPA Tournament in Westlake, Ohio alongside Chicago’s elite players—Louis Atsaves, Peter Bartzis, Pete Kanavos, Plato Dimakos, and Greg Petrakos—all Hall of Famers.

Through Greek basketball I met my wife Patty, introduced by Dr. Peter Petrovas, who along with his wife Stella became our koumbari. Our son John later followed my love of the game, and I had the privilege of coaching his teams to back-to-back Thanksgiving and GOBL championships. One memorable NHIBT appearance came when our team defeated St. Demetrios and Hall of Fame coach Mike Skoubis (also an NHIBT HOF player) in overtime.

For the past eight years, I have been honored to serve on the NHIBT Board and as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, helping give back to an organization that has meant so much to me. I remain grateful for the friendships, memories, and lifelong connection to Greek basketball and the NHIBT. All in all, THREE GENERATIONS of coaching Greek Basketball!

CHRIS TIRITAS (Denver AHEPA)

NHIBT 2026 HOF inductee Chris Tiritis (center) flanked by his two sons who are now playing hoops. Chris was a standout for Denver AHEPA and other teams during a long and successful Greek hoops career

During a college game day in early 1998 at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado, I was walking on campus towards the gymnasium to prepare for our game that evening when a stranger approached me and inquired if I was Greek. Confused yet intrigued, I confirmed that I was. The stranger mentioned that he was also Greek and played for the visiting Chadron State team that we were playing that night. He had noticed my last name on the roster and wanted to know more.

This introduction from Christos Vasilas, son of Ted Vasilas, the Athletic Director at the time of chapter 145 of the Denver AHEPA, marked the beginning of a 28-year journey of playing Greek basketball with some of my closest friends and teammates. Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet numerous lifelong friends from all over the country and the world while continuing to play the sport I love at a competitive level after my collegiate career ended.

Raised in Littleton, Colorado, since the age of five, my parents, Emmanuel (Manos) and Alice, raised my brother and me to play various sports throughout our childhood. However, basketball was always my favorite.  Dedication and hard work along with reaching a height of 6’8” enhanced my chances of securing a college scholarship and pursuing basketball while earning my degree.

I have been honored to be a part of and represent Denver AHEPA Chapter 145. Their unwavering support over the years has enabled me to continue playing with my Denver team and, most recently, various teams from Chicago and Boston.

While raising my two sons, Justice and Brody, both of whom are now members of the AHEPA and Sons of Pericles, they have accompanied me on numerous trips to Chicago to participate in their own games, observe my games, and now join me on the court. This marks my 27th year attending the NHIBT and other Chicago tournaments. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Bouzeos family and the NHIBT board for recognizing my contributions and inducting me into the Hall of Fame.