A signature Turkish Airlines Euroleague player has decided to finish his career right after adding another title to an outstanding roll of honors. Kostas Tsartsaris has decided to hang his boots at age 33.
Since the Euroleague started in 2000, Tsartsaris has been the only player to step on court in each and every edition of the competition, first with Peristeri and then for Panathinaikos, wearing the Green jersey for 11 successful years.
Not only Tsartsaris played the Euroleague for many years, but helped Panathinaikos to make it to another level, being a signature player for the Greens and helping it to win three continental crowns in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Since his arrival in summer 2002, Tsartsaris has also helped Panathinaikos to lift 10 Greek League and 8 Greek Cup trophies – 18 domestic titles of a maximum 22.
Tsartaris also found success with the Greek national team, winning EuroBasket 2005, reaching the 2006 FIBA World Championships title game and taking part in two Olympic Games – Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Tsartsaris started his career in BC Beroia, played one year in Iceland – for Grindavik – and also played for Near East before joining Peristeri.
He played 239 Euroleague games, ranking second in the all-time list right behind Theo Papaloukas (252), who also chose to retire a week ago. Tsartsaris ranks ninth in total rebounds (905) and scored 1,502 points.
After 16 consecutive seasons and after experience the glory of sports and countless moments of joy, emotions and pride, it is time to say goodbye to basketball, my big passion,” Tsartsaris said in an official statement. “I sincerely thank those who believed in me and gave me their trust and support. I owe a lot to the world of basketball, it was my soul and strength. Thank you,” he added.
Source: Euroleague.net
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