Iraklis roster shrinks as relegation looms
Iraklis is the top candidate for relegation back to the A2 division, as it watches its players leave, one after the other. Veteran Predrag Drobnjak announced on February 13 that he wished to quit basketball.
His statement came after having played just three games for Iraklis since he moved back to Greece last month and dispelled rumors about financial problems with the Thessaloniki club.
“I wish to announce my departure from Iraklis and from basketball in general. I do not want to fool anyone. I thank the board, the coach, my teammates and the fans, especially [officials] Giorgos Galanos and Makis Sarlis for the way they have acted toward me. I have no complaints; Iraklis is a big club and I hope it finds its way,» Drobnjak’s statement read.
Coach Chris Hugaz told a press conference after the home loss to Peristeri over the weekend that «the team is sick.» Meanwhile, another recent addition to the roster, Smush Parker is also ready to go.
Parker arrived at Thessaloniki in late January to replace Matt Bouldin, but he has failed to make an impression with his performances and is about to be offloaded by Iraklis.
Two more players who have considered leaving the side have said that they will be staying for the time being. Vladimir Petrovic and Arvydas Eitutavicius were convinced by the A1 strugglers to remain on the team, despite Petrovic’s spat with Hugaz and a proposal by Ukrainian side Azovmas to Eitutavicius.
However, the next league match against Kolossos on Rhodes on February 19 may well prove crucial for the future of the existing roster in general, as the team remains rooted at the bottom of the table.
