Team 2008-09: PANATHINAIKOS (GREECE-ESAKE) Career: G.C. Larissa (Greece-A2, 1994-98), Keravnos Larissa (Greece-4th Division, 1998-99), G.C. Larissa (Greece-A2, 1999-2001), Maroussi (Greece-ESAKE, 2001-05), Panathinaikos (Greece-ESAKE, 2005-06), Houston Rockets (NBA-USA 2006-07) Panathinaikos (Greece - ESAKE, 2007-09)
"Kill Bill" had NBA dreams too, and probably the potential to succeed there. Although Vassilis Splanoulis had imagined his first experience in the NBA in a different way, the league proved to be a tough lesson in his career. The 27-year-old spent most of his time on the bench in Houston, but never stopped working to improve his game. Back in Europe, he wants to prove that his nickname suited him well, winning everything possible in Greece (two Cups, two Championships) and even a Euroleague trophy during the past two seasons. Spanoulis was also one of the key players in Greece's victory over Team USA in Japan in 2006. Deadly from three-point range as much as he's "clutch", Vassilis shared the leadership of the national team with Diamantidis, in Beijing last summer, and also was the scoring leader (14.4 points per game with 53.1% from the field). This time, without "the diamond" and Papaloukas, coach Kazlauskas will rely on him 100% to lead a young Greece towards the podium. | 
