Dimitris Diamantidis
Encyclopedia
Dimitris Diamantidis (born May 6, 1980 in Kastoria
, Greece
) is a Greek
professional basketball player. Standing at 1.98 m (6'6"), Diamantidis mainly plays at the point guard
position, but he also has the ability to play as a shooting guard
, as well as to assume the small forward
position, being utilized as a point forward
. At the age of fourteen, he started his youth career with his home team in Kastoria, and he stayed there for five years, before being transferred to Iraklis in 1999. Since the summer of 2004, he plays for the Greek League
and Euroleague
team Panathinaikos Athens (PAO).
Diamantidis led Panathinaikos to three Euroleague
championships in 2007
, 2009
and 2011, thus earning the Final Four MVP Award twice and being named Euroleague MVP in 2011. He also won seven consecutive Greek League
(2005 to 2011) and five consecutive Greek Cup
titles (2005 to 2009). He is the first recipient of the Euroleague Best Defender Award
, which he won five times in a row from 2005
to 2009
, and an additional one in 2011. Moreover, Diamantidis was voted to the Euroleague 2001-10 All-Decade Team. As a member of the Greek national team
, he earned a EuroBasket
title in 2005
, as well as a FIBA World Championship
silver medal in 2006
, with Greece stunning the likes of LeBron James
, Dwyane Wade
, Chris Bosh
, Chris Paul
, Dwight Howard
, and Carmelo Anthony
in the tournament's semifinal.
On the basis of his achievements in Greek and European basketball, his pivotal role in the success of the Greek national team
at the world stage, and his remarkable all-around skills, Diamantidis was named the Mister Europa European Player of the Year
by the Italian sports magazine Superbasket in 2007 and is widely considered to be one of the most charismatic point guard
s the FIBA game has ever known, as well as one of its best defensive players. Kastoria's main indoor basketball arena was renamed "Dimitris Diamantidis" in his honor.
MVP award in the 2003-04 season.
in 2004; a basketball powerhouse of the Greek League and also of the Euroleague
. With Panathinaikos, he has won the Greek Championship
7 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), the Greek Cup
5 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) and the Euroleague
Championship 3 times (2007, 2009, 2011).
Diamantidis has won several individual trophies since joining Panathinaikos, such as the Euroleague Defensive Player of The Year 6 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), the Greek League MVP five times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and the Euroleague Final Four MVP twice (2007, 2011). Diamantidis was also named the 2007 European Player of the Year
Mister Europa, the 2007 Greek Athlete of the Year, and the MVP of the Greek Cup
in 2009. He was named the Euroleague MVP in 2011.
Due to these great individual and team successes, the president of Panathinaikos, pharmaceutical magnate Pavlos Giannakopoulos, signed Diamantidis in 2008, to a 3 year €
5.7 million euros net income
contract. In 2010, he renewed his contract with Panathinaikos for another 3 years, at €
10.8 million euro
s gross income
(€6 million euro
s net income
).
. With the senior national team of Greece he won the gold medal at the EuroBasket 2005
. During the European Championship that year, he led the tournament in assists and he was selected to the all-tournament team. In the tournament semifinals against the French national basketball team
, Diamantidis hit a game-winning 3 point shot with Greece trailing by a score of 66-64 at the end of the game to give Greece the 67-66 victory and send them to the European Championship's final game.
He was also a member of the Greek national team that went on to win the silver medal the next year at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
in Japan
. He was a key factor in Greece's historic 101-95 victory against Team USA
in the semifinals.
Diamantidis was also a member of Greece's national team that competed at the 2004 Olympic Basketball Tournament
, which was held in Athens, Greece. He was also been selected to play on Greece's national team for the 2008 Olympic Basketball Tournament
in Beijing, China.
Diamantidis was also on the Greek teams that participated at the EuroBasket 2003
and the EuroBasket 2007
. With his national team he has also won the silver medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games
and the gold medal at the 2006 Stanković Continental Champions’ Cup. He has also won 7 Acropolis Tournament
s with his national squad, being the tournament's MVP twice, in 2005 and 2006.
On September 4, 2010, after Greece's elimination in the Eight-Finals of the 2010 FIBA World Championship
at the hands of Spain, he announced his immediate retirement from the National Team.
, shooting guard
and small forward
. In the Greek national team his primary position was playing at the small forward spot, being utilized as a point forward
. He has a big wingspan for his height, which has led to him being given the nickname of Octopus Man or The Octopus. He is generally a pass first play-maker and a good catch-and-shoot 3 point shooter. He likes to post up smaller point guards. He is generally considered to be one of the best perimeter defensive players in the Euroleague
; having won the Euroleague Best Defender
award for 5 consecutive seasons, and once again two years later. He was named the European Player of the Year
: Mister Europa in 2007.
Kastoria
Kastoria is a city in northern Greece in the periphery of West Macedonia. It is the capital of Kastoria peripheral unit. It is situated on a promontory on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
) is a Greek
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
professional basketball player. Standing at 1.98 m (6'6"), Diamantidis mainly plays at the point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
position, but he also has the ability to play as a shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
, as well as to assume the small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
position, being utilized as a point forward
Point forward
Point forward is an unofficial playing position in basketball for those who share the attributes of both a point guard and a forward.A point forward is usually described as a forward who possesses the ball handling skills and court vision to bring the ball up the court and to initiate the team's...
. At the age of fourteen, he started his youth career with his home team in Kastoria, and he stayed there for five years, before being transferred to Iraklis in 1999. Since the summer of 2004, he plays for the Greek League
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
and Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
team Panathinaikos Athens (PAO).
Diamantidis led Panathinaikos to three Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
championships in 2007
Euroleague 2006-07
The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic...
, 2009
Euroleague 2008-09
The Euroleague 2008-09 season was the ninth international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe under the ULEB umbrella. The season, which featured 24 teams from 13 different countries, culminated in the 2008-09 Euroleague Final Four at the new O2 World arena in Berlin,...
and 2011, thus earning the Final Four MVP Award twice and being named Euroleague MVP in 2011. He also won seven consecutive Greek League
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
(2005 to 2011) and five consecutive Greek Cup
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
titles (2005 to 2009). He is the first recipient of the Euroleague Best Defender Award
Euroleague Best Defender
The Euroleague Best Defender award is the annual award for the Euroleague's best defensive player throughout the season, up until the Euroleague Final Four stage of the season. The award began in the 2004-05 season, and the winner is selected by the Euroleague head coaches...
, which he won five times in a row from 2005
Euroleague 2004-05
The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2004–2005 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries...
to 2009
Euroleague 2008-09
The Euroleague 2008-09 season was the ninth international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe under the ULEB umbrella. The season, which featured 24 teams from 13 different countries, culminated in the 2008-09 Euroleague Final Four at the new O2 World arena in Berlin,...
, and an additional one in 2011. Moreover, Diamantidis was voted to the Euroleague 2001-10 All-Decade Team. As a member of the Greek national team
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
, he earned a EuroBasket
Eurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
title in 2005
Eurobasket 2005
The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
, as well as a FIBA World Championship
FIBA World Championship
The FIBA World Championship is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation , the sport's global governing body...
silver medal in 2006
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
, with Greece stunning the likes of LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
, Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
, Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh
Christopher Wesson Bosh is an American professional basketball player who plays power forward for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association ....
, Chris Paul
Chris Paul
Christopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
, Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
, and Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Kiyan Anthony , nicknamed "Melo", is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association...
in the tournament's semifinal.
On the basis of his achievements in Greek and European basketball, his pivotal role in the success of the Greek national team
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
at the world stage, and his remarkable all-around skills, Diamantidis was named the Mister Europa European Player of the Year
European Basketball Player of the Year Awards
The European Basketball Player of the Year Awards are the three awards given out on a yearly basis to the best male European basketball player of the year. More specifically, those are the Mr. Europa award, which began in 1976, the Euroscar, established in 1979, and the FIBA Europe Player of the...
by the Italian sports magazine Superbasket in 2007 and is widely considered to be one of the most charismatic point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
s the FIBA game has ever known, as well as one of its best defensive players. Kastoria's main indoor basketball arena was renamed "Dimitris Diamantidis" in his honor.
Iraklis
In the summer of 1999, at the age of 19, he began his professional career when he transferred to Iraklis Thessaloniki and became a starting player there by his second season. Diamantidis helped to bring Iraklis, one of the oldest Greek teams back into prominence after the club had been struggling. With Iraklis, Diamantidis won the Greek LeagueA1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
MVP award in the 2003-04 season.
Panathinaikos
Diamantidis moved a big step up in his career with his move to Panathinaikos of AthensAthens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
in 2004; a basketball powerhouse of the Greek League and also of the Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
. With Panathinaikos, he has won the Greek Championship
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
7 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), the Greek Cup
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
5 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) and the Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
Championship 3 times (2007, 2009, 2011).
Diamantidis has won several individual trophies since joining Panathinaikos, such as the Euroleague Defensive Player of The Year 6 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), the Greek League MVP five times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and the Euroleague Final Four MVP twice (2007, 2011). Diamantidis was also named the 2007 European Player of the Year
European Basketball Player of the Year Awards
The European Basketball Player of the Year Awards are the three awards given out on a yearly basis to the best male European basketball player of the year. More specifically, those are the Mr. Europa award, which began in 1976, the Euroscar, established in 1979, and the FIBA Europe Player of the...
Mister Europa, the 2007 Greek Athlete of the Year, and the MVP of the Greek Cup
Greek basketball Cup
The Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
in 2009. He was named the Euroleague MVP in 2011.
Due to these great individual and team successes, the president of Panathinaikos, pharmaceutical magnate Pavlos Giannakopoulos, signed Diamantidis in 2008, to a 3 year €
Euro sign
The euro sign is the currency sign used for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone in the European Union . The design was presented to the public by the European Commission on 12 December 1996. The international three-letter code for the euro is EUR...
5.7 million euros net income
Net income
Net income is the residual income of a firm after adding total revenue and gains and subtracting all expenses and losses for the reporting period. Net income can be distributed among holders of common stock as a dividend or held by the firm as an addition to retained earnings...
contract. In 2010, he renewed his contract with Panathinaikos for another 3 years, at €
Euro sign
The euro sign is the currency sign used for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone in the European Union . The design was presented to the public by the European Commission on 12 December 1996. The international three-letter code for the euro is EUR...
10.8 million euro
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
s gross income
Gross income
Gross income in United States tax law is receipts and gains from all sources less cost of goods sold. Gross income is the starting point for determining Federal and state income tax of individuals, corporations, estates and trusts, whether resident or nonresident."Except as otherwise provided" by...
(€6 million euro
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
s net income
Net income
Net income is the residual income of a firm after adding total revenue and gains and subtracting all expenses and losses for the reporting period. Net income can be distributed among holders of common stock as a dividend or held by the firm as an addition to retained earnings...
).
Euroleague statistics
Euroleague official website, Dimitris Diamantidis' page.| SEASON | LEAGUE | TEAM | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-05 Euroleague 2004-05 The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2004–2005 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries... |
Euroleague Euroleague Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is... |
Panathinaikos BC | 25 | 27.4 | 8.5 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| 2005-06 Euroleague 2005-06 The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2005–2006 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries... |
Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 23 | 30.1 | 8.7 | 4.5 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 0.8 |
| 2006-07 Euroleague 2006-07 The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic... |
Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 24 | 29.1 | 8.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 0.6 |
| 2007-08 Euroleague 2007-08 The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2007–2008 season featured 24 competing teams. The Euroleague Regular Season drew was held on 30 June 2007 in the Jesolo, Italy, during the inaugural Euroleague summer league... |
Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 19 | 31.0 | 8.5 | 5.3 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 0.7 |
| 2008-09 Euroleague 2008-09 The Euroleague 2008-09 season was the ninth international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe under the ULEB umbrella. The season, which featured 24 teams from 13 different countries, culminated in the 2008-09 Euroleague Final Four at the new O2 World arena in Berlin,... |
Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 21 | 27.3 | 8.5 | 4.4 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
| 2009-10 | Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 12 | 26.4 | 9.4 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 |
| 2010-11 | Euroleague | Panathinaikos | 22 | 30.5 | 12.5 | 3.9 | 6.2 | 1.6 | 0.1 |
Greek national team
Diamantidis was a member of the senior Greek national basketball teamGreece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
. With the senior national team of Greece he won the gold medal at the EuroBasket 2005
Eurobasket 2005
The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
. During the European Championship that year, he led the tournament in assists and he was selected to the all-tournament team. In the tournament semifinals against the French national basketball team
France national basketball team
The French national basketball team is the national basketball team representing France. It is administrated by the Fédération Française de Basket-Ball . The team has been competitive, but has yet to win a major international tournament...
, Diamantidis hit a game-winning 3 point shot with Greece trailing by a score of 66-64 at the end of the game to give Greece the 67-66 victory and send them to the European Championship's final game.
He was also a member of the Greek national team that went on to win the silver medal the next year at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. He was a key factor in Greece's historic 101-95 victory against Team USA
United States national basketball team
The United States men's national basketball team represents the United States of America in international men's basketball. The USA is the most successful team in international competition, winning medals in all sixteen Olympic tournaments it has entered, coming away with thirteen golds...
in the semifinals.
Diamantidis was also a member of Greece's national team that competed at the 2004 Olympic Basketball Tournament
Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics took place at the Helliniko Olympic Indoor Arena in Athens, Greece for the preliminary rounds, with the latter stages being held in the Olympic Indoor Hall at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex....
, which was held in Athens, Greece. He was also been selected to play on Greece's national team for the 2008 Olympic Basketball Tournament
Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Basketball contests at the 2008 Olympic Games were held from August 9, 2008 to August 24, 2008. Competitions were held at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China...
in Beijing, China.
Diamantidis was also on the Greek teams that participated at the EuroBasket 2003
Eurobasket 2003
-5th to 8th place:-Awards:-All-Tournament Team : Tony Parker Šarūnas Jasikevičius Saulius Štombergas Andrei Kirilenko Pau Gasol-Top scorers :# Pau Gasol 25.8# Andrei Kirilenko 23.1# Dirk Nowitzki 22.5# Mehmet Okur 18.7...
and the EuroBasket 2007
Eurobasket 2007
-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Second round:- Group E :- Group F :-Championship bracket:- Quarterfinals :-Classification rounds:- Semifinals :- Third place game:- Final :...
. With his national team he has also won the silver medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games
2001 Mediterranean Games
The 14th edition of the Mediterranean Games were held in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, from 2 to 15 September 2001. Twenty three nations competed in 23 different sporting events. France won the most gold medals in the competition while Italy had the greatest medal haul overall with 136 in...
and the gold medal at the 2006 Stanković Continental Champions’ Cup. He has also won 7 Acropolis Tournament
Acropolis Tournament
The Acropolis International Basketball Tournament is an international basketball competition between national teams, which has been held annually since the year 1986 and takes place in Athens, Greece each summer...
s with his national squad, being the tournament's MVP twice, in 2005 and 2006.
On September 4, 2010, after Greece's elimination in the Eight-Finals of the 2010 FIBA World Championship
2010 FIBA World Championship
The 2010 FIBA World Championship, hosted by Turkey, was the international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams. The tournament ran from August 28 to September 12, 2010. It was co-organized by the International Basketball Federation , Turkish Basketball Federation and the...
at the hands of Spain, he announced his immediate retirement from the National Team.
Player profile
Diamantidis is left-handed and he can play as a point guardPoint guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
, shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
and small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
. In the Greek national team his primary position was playing at the small forward spot, being utilized as a point forward
Point forward
Point forward is an unofficial playing position in basketball for those who share the attributes of both a point guard and a forward.A point forward is usually described as a forward who possesses the ball handling skills and court vision to bring the ball up the court and to initiate the team's...
. He has a big wingspan for his height, which has led to him being given the nickname of Octopus Man or The Octopus. He is generally a pass first play-maker and a good catch-and-shoot 3 point shooter. He likes to post up smaller point guards. He is generally considered to be one of the best perimeter defensive players in the Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
; having won the Euroleague Best Defender
Euroleague Best Defender
The Euroleague Best Defender award is the annual award for the Euroleague's best defensive player throughout the season, up until the Euroleague Final Four stage of the season. The award began in the 2004-05 season, and the winner is selected by the Euroleague head coaches...
award for 5 consecutive seasons, and once again two years later. He was named the European Player of the Year
European Basketball Player of the Year Awards
The European Basketball Player of the Year Awards are the three awards given out on a yearly basis to the best male European basketball player of the year. More specifically, those are the Mr. Europa award, which began in 1976, the Euroscar, established in 1979, and the FIBA Europe Player of the...
: Mister Europa in 2007.
Pro career
- 9x Greek All Star GameHEBA Greek All Star GameThe Greek HEBA All-Star Game, also known as the Greek ΕΣΑΚΕ All Star Game is the All Star Game of the HEBA Greek basketball association for men, was founded and organized by GUS SARIANIDES which features players from the top Greek pro basketball league the HEBA A1 Division. The game is played in a...
: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 - 6x Euroleague Defensive Player of the Year: 2005Euroleague 2004-05The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2004–2005 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries...
, 2006Euroleague 2005-06The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2005–2006 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries...
, 2007Euroleague 2006-07The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic...
, 2008Euroleague 2007-08The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2007–2008 season featured 24 competing teams. The Euroleague Regular Season drew was held on 30 June 2007 in the Jesolo, Italy, during the inaugural Euroleague summer league...
, 2009Euroleague 2008-09The Euroleague 2008-09 season was the ninth international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe under the ULEB umbrella. The season, which featured 24 teams from 13 different countries, culminated in the 2008-09 Euroleague Final Four at the new O2 World arena in Berlin,...
, 2011 - 7x Greek League Champion: 2005, 2006A1 Ethniki 2005-06-Standings:Pts=Points, P=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, D=Points difference-Results:-Bracket:- Panathinaikos vs. Panionios:Panathinaikos win the series 2-0- Olympiacos vs. AEK Athens:...
, 2007A1 Ethniki 2006-07The Greek Basket League 2006–07 season saw Panathinaikos finish both in first place in the regular season and win the championship via the playoff.-Standings:...
, 2008A1 Ethniki 2007-08-Standings:Pts=Points, Pld=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, D=Points difference-Results:-Playoffs bracket:...
, 2009A1 Ethniki 2008-09The Greek Basket League 2008–09 season was the 69th season of the Greek Basket League, the highest professional basketball league in Greece. The 182-game regular season began on Saturday, October 4, 2008, and will end on Sunday, May 10, 2009.-Standings:Pts=Points, Pld=Matches played, W=Matches...
, 2010, 2011 - 5x Greek CupGreek basketball CupThe Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
Champion: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 - 5x Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
MVP: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 - 3x EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
Champion: 2007Euroleague 2006-07The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic...
, 2009Euroleague 2008-09The Euroleague 2008-09 season was the ninth international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe under the ULEB umbrella. The season, which featured 24 teams from 13 different countries, culminated in the 2008-09 Euroleague Final Four at the new O2 World arena in Berlin,...
, 2011 - 2x Euroleague Final Four MVP: 2007Euroleague 2006-07 Final-Game Statistics: PanathinaikosHead Coach: Željko ObradovićNotes - Pts:points ; Rebs:Rebounds; DNP:Did not played. CSKA MoscowHead Coach: Ettore Messina...
, 2011 - 2x Greek LeagueA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
Assist Leader: 2007A1 Ethniki 2006-07The Greek Basket League 2006–07 season saw Panathinaikos finish both in first place in the regular season and win the championship via the playoff.-Standings:...
, 2010 - 2x Triple CrownTriple Crown in BasketballThe Triple Crown is a term in European professional club basketball that refers to a club winning their country's top tier national domestic league, primary national domestic cup, and the top tier European continental level competition in the same season. It is the highest accomplishment that a...
Champion: 2007, 2009 - 2x All-Euroleague First Team: 2007Euroleague 2006-07The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2006-2007 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The draw for the groups was held on September 14, 2006 in Athens. The competition began on October 24, 2006 at the Olympic...
, 2011 - European Player of the YearEuropean Basketball Player of the Year AwardsThe European Basketball Player of the Year Awards are the three awards given out on a yearly basis to the best male European basketball player of the year. More specifically, those are the Mr. Europa award, which began in 1976, the Euroscar, established in 1979, and the FIBA Europe Player of the...
: Mr. EuropaMr. EuropaThe Mister Europa European Player of the Year Award is an annual basketball award created in 1976 and given today by the panel of journalists of the Italian weekly magazine Superbasket. Its purpose is to praise the best European basketball player, regardless of where he plays in the world,...
: 2007 - Greek Athlete of the Year: 2007
- Greek CupGreek basketball CupThe Greek Basketball Cup or Hellenic Basketball Cup is an annual pro basketball national cup competition. It is organized by the Hellenic Basketball Federation .-History and format:...
MVP: 2009 - Euroleague 2001-10 All-Decade Team
- Greek A1 DivisionA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
: Career AssistsAssist (basketball)In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist...
Leader - Greek A1 DivisionA1 EthnikiThe Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
: Career StealsSteal (basketball)In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player...
Leader - Euroleague MVP: 2011
- Euroleague 2010-11: Assists Leader
- Greek League Best Defender: 2011
Greek national team
- 2001 Mediterranean Games2001 Mediterranean GamesThe 14th edition of the Mediterranean Games were held in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, from 2 to 15 September 2001. Twenty three nations competed in 23 different sporting events. France won the most gold medals in the competition while Italy had the greatest medal haul overall with 136 in...
: Silver Medal - 7x Acropolis TournamentAcropolis TournamentThe Acropolis International Basketball Tournament is an international basketball competition between national teams, which has been held annually since the year 1986 and takes place in Athens, Greece each summer...
Champion: (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) - 2x Acropolis Tournament MVP: (2005, 2006)
- EuroBasket 2005Eurobasket 2005The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
: Gold Medal - EuroBasketEurobasketThe EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
assist leader: (2005Eurobasket 2005The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
) - All-EuroBasket Team: (2005)
- 2006 Stanković Continental Champions’ Cup: Gold Medal
- 2006 FIBA World Championship2006 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
: Silver Medal