According to information coming from Greece, Alba Berlin is on the verge of signing Greek veteran guard Giannis Kalabokis.
Although PAOK officially denies the matter, the initial contacts have been made and the player is set to sign for the Berlin side soon. Although the player is under contract with PAOK until the end of season, the Thessaloniki club would consent to releasing their second best scorer, mainly due to their financial state.
PAOK, who is considered one of the biggest debtors of the Greek state has seen a number of players jumping ship throught the season. Marcus Goree, JR Giddens, Rashad Wright have all previously left the club due to late payments, or no payments at all.
Kalabokis is in a similar position, being virtually unpaid since the start of season. And although the club has pledged part of their TV rights future income for the player’s salaries, he would like to be and play in a more stable club. PAOK players have even resorted to strike during the season because of the club’s unwillingness, or impossibility, to pay them.
The former international guard has been averaging 12.4ppg in Greek A1 in 17 games and 11ppg in 6 Eurocup games, earlier in the season. This would be his second stint abroad after playing for Benetton Treviso.
