The game between PAOK and Koroivos Amaliadas for the fourth matchday of Basketleague Scratch (Saturday 01.11 at 17:00) will be of significant importance, as for the first time in history of greek Basketleague a father and his son will be opponent coaches!
Soulis Markopoulos, the father and PAOK΄s (head) coach will face his son and Koroivos Amaliadas΄ (head) coach, Charis Markopoulos. Father and son have been colleagues in PAOK for the last two seasons, until Charis Markopoulos decided to take up the job as head coach in Koroivos Amaliadas who were recently promoted to the Basketleague Scratch.
Proud father Soulis Markopoulos is trying to cope with the encounter against his beloved son calmly: «It is true that this is a special game, but this is a topic that concerns the media more than ourselves. As professionals, we must only focus to our teams».
However, he commented on the efforts of his son Charis and gave him his fondest advice: «This season Charis chose a different path which is demanding, full of emotions, continuous challenges and obstacles: That΄s our job. He knows that he needs patience and persistence, he is highly skilled but has a lot to learn, just like me. It is too early for him to be criticized, he has the potential for a great career and he is committed to his job. However, insight will be needed in order to deal properly with any difficulties that will turn up his way».
On the other hand, Charis summarises everything his father taught him in a few but touching quotes. He mentions that «Two lifes are not enough to make up for everything he taught me» , a statement that proves the idiosyncracy of both Charis and Soulis Markopoulos.
The coach of Koroivos Amaliadas noted lastly the six quotes that sum up his father΄s tutoring regarding the way of life and basketball:
- Think before you act! («he used to tell me and thats what i always do»)
- Listen before you talk! («i always listened to him, and if i did not, i used to lose. He is a basketball expert»)
- Wait before you criticize! («Personally i cant wait, therefore i cant criticize him»)
- Forgive before you pray! («he always prays for me, he always forgives my mistakes. Two lifes are not enough to make up for everything he taught me»)
- Offer before you claim! («We must claim victory. It is my personal duty to contribute to the team»)
- Try again before you give up! («I learnt this while in PAOK and i will never give it up»)
