Georgios Papagiannis, also known as "Big Papa", "PeeG" and "Big Doofus," is a Greek professional basketball player who currently plays as center for Fenerbahce in the BSL and Euroleague. In 2016, Papagiannis was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Sunsin the NBA, becoming the highest-drafted Greek player ever. However, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night. In November 2016, he made his NBA debut in a loss against theMilwaukee Bucks, where he recorded two points and one rebound in six minutes off the bench.
In 2018, Papagiannis was waived by the Kings and signed a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. This was his last NBA team before returning to Europe with Panathinaikos on a five-year contract. In 39 NBA games, Papagiannis averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
In 2022, Papagiannis was named team captain for the first time in his career, and averaged 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 33 EuroLeague games in the 2022-23 season. In July 2023, he signed a two year deal with Turkish club Fenerbahce, where he is currently playing under his national team coach Dimitrios Itoudis.
At the national level, Papagiannis became a part of Greece’s senior team in 2017, and has represented his nation at the Eurobasket 2017 and the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualification.
Georgios Papagiannis Team Greece
Georgios Papagiannis plays for Greece’s national basketball team. He was born on July 3, 1997, in Marousi, Greece. He is 26 years old and 7 feet 2 inches tall.
Papagiannis has represented his country in several tournaments, and played a vital role in the success of Greece’s junior national basketball team, which secured the bronze medal in the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship.
At the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, he helped his team win the tournament and secure the gold. His unparalleled effort earned him his maiden call for the senior team.
He is part of Greece’s team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Indonesia, Philippines and Japan. Greece is in Group C with Jordan, New Zealand, and the United States.
FAQs
A. Georgios Papagiannis weighs around 121 kg.
A. He plays at the center position at both club and international level.
A. Georgios Papagiannis was the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
A. In July 2023, Papagiannis signed a two-year contract with Turkish team Fenerbahce.
