Vasilis Pourlidas to play collegiate basketball in the USA

Vasilis Pourlidas, a 19-year-old basketball player from Naoussa and member of Aris Thessaloniki, is set to move to the United States to pursue academic studies and compete in collegiate basketball. He has accepted an offer from North Carolina A&T State.

On August 28, 2026, Pourlidas met with the Mayor of Naoussa, Nikos Koutsogiannis, to discuss his upcoming transition. While Pourlidas moves to the U.S. for his collegiate career, Aris Thessaloniki retains his rights in Europe. The Mayor expressed pride in the athlete, noting that his participation in the American collegiate system is a significant honor for the local community.