GRE - Vasileiadis in the groove

BILBAO (Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Kostas Vasileiadis is leaving nothing to chance.

His performances for Bilbao Basket are like a text messages to Greece coach Ilias Zouros that read: "Don't forget me for the trip to Caracas."

Venezuela, which is hosting the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, is going to see a game-changer when Vasileiadis shows up.

The 27-year-old marksman is averaging 16.8 points in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16.

The Thessaloniki native has shot 46.2% (12 of 26) from long range in those four Top 16 games and 41.8% (28 of 67) for the season.

He drilled five of six from long range on Wednesday night and had a game-high 19 points as Bilbao pasted Real Madrid, 93-69.

Vasileiadis had had 15 points in Sunday's 93-90 win at Madrid in the Liga Endesa.

The biggest indicator that he'll will be a factor for Greece may be his 'minutes per game' statistic.

On a very good Bilbao team, Vasileiadis has averaged more than 28 minutes in the four Top 16 games.

The 2.0m shooting guard averaged 15.3 minutes at EuroBasket 2011 on his national team debut under Zouros.

Twelve teams will be at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela, where three spots for the London Games will be up for grabs.
 

FIBA