Maroussi Secures Michalis Lountzis Through 2028
Maroussi Basketball Club has officially announced the acquisition of Michalis Lountzis, with the international guard signing a two-year contract that will keep him with the team until 2028. The announcement, made on Wednesday afternoon, marks a significant addition for the club, bringing a seasoned player with a distinguished career to their roster.
Lountzis, 28, joins Maroussi following a challenging period with Panionios, where his season was unfortunately cut short due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Despite the injury, his brief four-game stint with Panionios showcased his capabilities, as he averaged an impressive 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His recovery and return to full form will be keenly watched by fans and the club alike.
A Look Back at Lountzis's Professional Journey
Born on August 4, 1998, Michalis Lountzis stands at 1.98 meters (approximately 6 feet 6 inches) and primarily plays as a point guard or shooting guard. His basketball journey began at Kronos Agiou Dimitriou before he was recruited by Panathinaikos in the summer of 2014, making his professional debut in the Greek League at just 16 years old. His initial years with Panathinaikos saw him gradually integrate into professional basketball, with limited but consistent playing time. In his first professional season (2014-2015), he averaged 2.3 points in approximately 7 minutes across 13 games. The following season, he played 10 games, averaging 1.3 points in about 5 minutes, and in 2016-2017, he averaged 4 points in 4 appearances.
Seeking more significant playing time and development, Lountzis was loaned to Trikala for the 2017-2018 season. This move proved beneficial, as he averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in 27 minutes per game. His loan spell continued into the 2018-2019 season with Lavrio, where he played 23 games across the Greek Basket League (GBL) and FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers, recording averages of 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2 assists. He officially signed with Lavrio in the summer of 2019, contributing 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 8 games.
The subsequent year, Lountzis moved to Promitheas Patras, where he made a substantial impact over 41 games in both the GBL and EuroCup, averaging 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His strong performances earned him a move to Olympiacos, where he spent three seasons from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure with Olympiacos, he contributed consistently, averaging 3.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 2021-2022; 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 2022-2023; and 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 2023-2024. Overall, he played 128 games for Olympiacos, including 47 EuroLeague appearances, showcasing his experience on Europe's biggest stage.
For the 2024-2025 season, Lountzis returned to Promitheas Patras, where he enjoyed a productive year across 28 appearances in the GBL and Basketball Champions League (BCL). His averages climbed to 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in approximately 27 minutes per game, before his move to Panionios last year.
International Career and Accolades
Beyond his club career, Michalis Lountzis has also proudly represented the Greek National Team. He participated in EuroBasket 2022 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, demonstrating his commitment and skill on the international stage. His career is also decorated with numerous titles, reflecting his consistent success at various levels:
- Greek Championships: 3 (1 with Panathinaikos in 2017, 2 with Olympiacos in 2022 and 2023)
- Greek Cups: 6 (3 with Panathinaikos in 2015, 2016, and 2017; 3 with Olympiacos in 2022, 2023, and 2024)
- Greek Super Cups: 3 (2 with Olympiacos in 2022 and 2023; 1 with Promitheas in 2020)
- Youth International Medals:
- Gold Medal at the U18 European Championship (2015)
- Gold Medal at the U20 European Championship (2017)
- Individual Recognition: Member of the GBL All-Defensive First Team in 2021.
Maroussi's official statement extended a warm welcome to Michalis, emphasizing the significance of his arrival. His experience, leadership, and proven track record are expected to provide a substantial boost to the team's ambitions for the upcoming seasons. Fans will be eager to see Lountzis back on the court, contributing his versatile skills to Maroussi's campaign.
The signing underscores Maroussi's strategic efforts to strengthen its roster with high-caliber players. Lountzis's journey from a promising young talent to a multi-decorated international player makes him a valuable asset. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, coupled with his extensive experience in domestic and European competitions, positions him as a key figure in Maroussi's plans. The club's decision to sign him to a two-year deal also signals a long-term commitment, providing stability and allowing Lountzis ample time to integrate and make a lasting contribution to the team's success.
The challenge for Lountzis will be to fully recover from his recent injury and return to his peak performance level. However, his past resilience and dedication suggest he is well-equipped to overcome this hurdle. His presence is expected to elevate the team's competitive edge, both in terms of skill and experience, offering a significant boost to Maroussi's aspirations in the league.
His career trajectory, marked by stints with some of Greece's most prominent clubs and a consistent presence in national team selections, highlights his standing as one of the country's respected basketball talents. Maroussi's acquisition is not just about securing a skilled player, but also about integrating a player with a winning mentality and a deep understanding of the Greek basketball landscape. This move is anticipated to generate considerable excitement among the club's supporters as they look forward to the new season with a strengthened squad.
