MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (March 19, 2020) -
Fotios Malelis, a former St. Thomas University Men's Basketball player, has signed a professional contract in Greece to play for Panionios in the Greek Professional League.
Malelis, a four-year starter for the Bobcats, appeared in 94 games, recording 626-points while collecting 306-rebounds. Malelis had a career year in 2017-18, scoring a career-best 278-points, averaging 9.0-ppg, and helping guide St. Thomas to a Regular Season Sun Conference Championship and an NAIA Division II National Tournament appearance.
"The pro-basketball experience has been great so far. I have played against former-NBA players (Samardo Samuels and DiAndre Liggins). The jump from college basketball to professional is the work ethic and basketball intelligence," said Malelis. "Each player knows their job and is good at their game, while also going against players from 25-37 years of age."
Malelis added, "the Greek league is exceptionally competitive, each team has highly talented players, setting a competitive standard across the league."
Malelis appeared in one game for Panionios, before the league suspended itself due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In his professional debut, Malelis scored seven points, adding a three-pointer, while collecting three rebounds and a block.
Malelis graduated from STU in December 2019, with his B.S. in Bio-Sciences.
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