By Bill Roumeliotis
The heart of Melbourne’s Greek community pulsed with excitement on Monday night as Panathinaikos BC made its first official stop in Australia.
Just hours after touching down in the city, the celebrated Athens club was greeted by hundreds of supporters at Vanilla, the iconic café-patisserie and restaurant in Oakleigh.
Fans began gathering early in the evening, eager to catch a glimpse of their basketball heroes. When the delegation finally arrived, chants of “PAO, Paoole!” rang out across Eaton Mall as green jerseys and scarves filled the night.
The visiting squad featured Kendrick Nunn, Jerian Grant, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, and Giannis Kouzeloglou, who were joined by club executives and Despina Giannakopoulou, widow of the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, the legendary Panathinaikos leader whose legacy still resonates deeply among fans.
The official welcome underscored the significance of the team’s visit. Present to honour the Greens were Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne; Steve Dimopoulos, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Environment and Outdoor Recreation; and Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne. Their attendance highlighted the cultural and diplomatic weight of the occasion, reflecting the unifying power of sport in the diaspora.
Inside Vanilla, the atmosphere was electric. Supporters pressed forward for autographs and selfies with the stars, while conversations flowed easily in both Greek and English. For many fans, especially younger Greek Australians, the chance to meet players from one of Europe’s most decorated basketball clubs was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Panathinaikos PAOshop also proved a major drawcard, with jerseys, scarves, and memorabilia snapped up quickly. The pop-up store, located on Vanilla’s first floor, will remain open for the next three days, offering fans the chance to gear up in green and white ahead of the club’s matches in Melbourne.
The Oakleigh gathering marked more than just a fan event; it was a celebration of identity and connection between Greece and its diaspora. For Panathinaikos, the Melbourne tour is not only about basketball but also about reaching across continents to engage with supporters who carry their club passion from Athens to Australia.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.
