Florida is losing star point guard Nick Calathes is pulling his name out of the NBA draft.
But the Gator isn’t returning to Gainesville.
He’s headed to Greece.
Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Calathes has decided to play professionally in Greece.
An excerpt:
Calathes, the state’s two-time “Mr. Basketball” from Lake Howell, agreed to terms Friday to play for powerful Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague Basketball champion club based in Greece, according to sources close to the former Gators playmaker.
Neither Calathes nor his family would comment on the development, pending announcements from Panathinaikos and UF. Gators Coach Coach Billy Donovan apparently was informed of his player’s decision Friday night, with at least one source saying a contract was signed.
The deal, sources said, will pay Calathes around $1.1 million per year, in addition to providing him with a home, car and tax credits, making for a total package commensurate to what the NBA rookie salary scale provides a late-lottery selection. Golden’s State forward Anthony Randolph, the final lottery pick of 2008 at No. 14, made $1.424 million as a rookie.
It is turning out to be a bad off season for coaches named Billy. I wonder if he wishes he had stayed with the Orlando Magic.
That’s were a good Greek boy should be! If not at KENTUCKY I try to go to Greece about every two month. I will try and see how he is doing.
This just means one more all-SEC first teamer for UK. But Greece? Wow –I’ve worked with Greek men. They really really like hair products, too. Deodorant? Not so much.
At least he’ll avoid the Cat Clawin’ were gonna give Florida next year.
He does look a little like John Travolta; hopefully he’ll pick up his singing and dancing if he’s going to be the lead.
uhh…John Travolta is Italian.