Tag Archive for: greek basketball

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NHIBT’s Demos lit up rooms and scoreboards

[CHICAGO, IL, USA] The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament in late 2024 lost another of its bright lights with the passing of NHIBT Hall of Famer George Demos. The committee deeply mourns his passing as George was beloved by all and could light up a meeting or a scoreboard lightning quick with his wide smile, lively conversational style, merry demeanor, and pinpoint long-range accuracy.

A graduate of Sullivan H.S. on Chicago’s far north side in the late 1960’s, George was an absolute phenom his senior season, averaging 39 points per game and earning top All-City honors. In an era before the three-point line, George routinely launched 20 to 24-foot long-range shots and piled up points at a rapid pace. Glance at the crowd for a minute and boom, George just added another 8 points. Had the three-point line been in effect, he likely would have averaged 45 his senior year. George went on to star at the University of Illinois Chicago when it was located at Navy Pier.

After college, George worked as a Chicago Park District facilities supervisor for 20 years. He also became a prolific referee, working his way up to officiate major NCAA Division I hoops. Additionally, for four decades all the way through his last days, he served on the NHIBT board and was in charge of officiating assignments.

George played in various recreational leagues well into his 60’s. Very few loved the game or were a more devoted hard-court junkie than George. If there were a game being played, chances are George was behind it or out front. You always got the sense of action with George around.

In the early 2000’s, the NBA tinkered with its rules and brought in George to officiate practices and better acquaint players with rules philosophy. Two of George’s closest friends were former Chicago Bulls center Dave Corzine and former DePaul University star Joe Ponsetto, both local area products who played with George in various tournaments and leagues.

In his private life, George was married to first wife Mary Jane and the two produced two children, daughter Nicole and son Tom. George later married Bonnie, a former world-class martial artist, and the two were inseparable throughout the remainder of his days.

A friend and mentor to many, a generous soul and warm human being, George will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, shooter. May your memory be eternal.

Click here for obituary

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NHIBT WOMEN SHINE IN BOSTON, CLAIM TEDDY K TOURNAMENT TITLE!

[BOSTON, MA, USA]: The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament congratulates the Papaflessas women’s team! We’re proud to announce that they are the 2024 Women’s Open Division champions at the Teddy-K Classic Tournament that took place May 8-12, 2024 at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA.

Team Papaflessas at the Teddy K Classic

The team made history as the first team from Chicago to win and the first team outside the east coast! Basketball continues to unite them, but their bond off-court is what truly shines.

Thank you to all players for representing our Chicago Hellenic basketball community with pride, and a shout-out to the tourney committee! We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Warmly, we are sincerely yours, NHIBT Board Members

NHIBT, Inc. from Chicago, IL, USA

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Pro sports agent George Andrews blazed path for Greek Americans

George Andrews (in suit and tie) watches his client Magic Johnson celebrate the Los Angeles Lakers’ 1981 NBA title

[CHICAGO, IL, USA] The Greek American community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sports trailblazers, George James Andrews (1949-2024). A native of Elmhurst, IL who graduated York High School and the University of Illinois, Andrews passed away last week. During the past few years, he had been serving on the board of the National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament (NHIBT) and had become an instrumental contributor.
     Andrews was the first and most prominent Greek American professional sports player agent. In his heyday (late 70’s through mid-90’s), he boasted a blue-chip client roster that rivaled any agent in sports. Two of his most widely-known clients were NBA Hall of Fame players Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Isiah Thomas. Andrews was with Magic, a Lakers great, when the team won its first NBA championship under Magic, with Magic being awarded Finals MVP honors.
     Among Andrews’ non-basketball clients was Evelyn Ashford, the top female track star in the world during the time she was represented by Andrews.
     Other notables represented by Andrews are NBA greats Reggie Theus, Mark Aguirre, and Rolando Blackman, and standouts Jim Brewer, Jerry Sichting, Derek Harper, and Nick Weatherspoon. Andrews, Harper, and Weatherspoon are all fellow University of Illinois at Champaign alumni. Andrews, who friends described as a basketball junkie who was always in the gym, served as equipment manager for Illini men’s basketball. He later earned a JD at Illinois in addition to his undergrad.
     Later in his career, Andrews switched sides to join the front office of the Memphis Grizzlies, then an expansion NBA franchise. Andrews helped ownership get started on firm footing.
     One of his Greek associates, Michigan State University head basketball coach and later top team broadcaster Gus Ganakas, became a mentor to Andrews and opened doors in the Spartans family. Andrews would later gain introduction to young Earvin Johnson, a budding MSU superstar about to win an NCAA championship. Johnson became one of his first clients. Another Greek hoops connection is Ganakas’ son Gary Ganakas, who played in and later was inducted into the NHIBT Hall of Fame.
     The Andrews wake is set for Monday from 4 to 8 pm at Westchester Conboy Funeral Home in Illinois. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 am, beginning at Holy Apostles Church with internment at Elmwood Cemetery. For more details, visit his Chicago Sun-Times obituary. 
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NHIBT 2023 Scholarships

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NHIBT supports memory of Demetri Itsines

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