Strike upsets basketball schedule
There were no basketball matches in the A1 or A2 divisions last weekend due to the strike called by the Hellenic Association of Professional Basketball Players (PSAK). The players’ union is demanding social security benefits for A2 players equal to those of A1 hoopsters, as well as stricter regulations regarding clubs that do not pay their players, as has often been the case in recent years. League organizer ESAKE had postponed all A1 games, while the basketball federation, organizer of the A2 division, will tomorrow decide the fate of Saturday’s games. Action resumes tomorrow with the first three quarterfinals of the Greek Cup. PAOK hosts Olympiakos, Aris faces Maroussi and Panathinaikos entertains Panellinios in knockout ties. The fourth one between Iraklis and Panionios will take place next week. Yesterday was a cheerful occasion for the national teams as their main sponsor, EFG Eurobank, staged an event dedicated to the men’s team as well as players of the Under-19 and Under-20 teams that excelled last summer on the European and global stage. The event was honored by the presence of Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
