By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
In a quick turnaround from the end of his final campaign as a player, Vassilis Xanthopoulos decided to stay with Peristeri Domino’s and become the new head coach of the Greek club.
Peristeri officially named Xanthopoulos as the new play-caller on Thursday.
A FIBA Intercontinental Cup, Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and Basketball Champions League champion during a long playing career, he replaced Giorgos Limniatis. The 54-year-old tactician parted ways with Peristeri following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. Meanwhile, Xanthopoulos went from retiring to immediately extending his connection to the sport and the team.
During his final season as a player, the native of Athens logged five BCL appearances with Peristeri, tallying 2.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per contest. Over seven seasons in the top-tier club continental competition of FIBA Europe, he played in 93 games to rank ninth on the all-time list. It is currently unclear whether he will return as a head coach in the 2025-26 installment.
At the domestic level, Xanthopoulos averaged 1.7 points, 3.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.1 blocks per contest over 16 appearances, leading up to his side sitting eighth in the final standings of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL.
He also played for AEK, Aris, Kolossos, Near East, Panathinaikos, Panellinios, Panionios, and PAOK. Back in 2013-14, he moved to Spain and joined Rio Natura Monbus.
In addition, he represented Greece in the EuroBasket 2011, following a successful run across all junior national teams.
Photo Credit: FIBA