Vasilis Spanos welcomed by thousands as new Aris basketball coach in Thessaloniki

Vasilis Spanos landed at Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki on 14 June 2026 at about 19:00, marking the start of his three‑year spell as head coach of Aris Thessaloniki. Around 5,000 supporters gathered at the airport, turning the arrival area into a celebratory arena with chants, smoke flares and a makeshift “Nick Gallis Hall.” Fans entered through a secondary customs gate to manage the crowd, and Spanos was met with sustained applause, raising his fist in response. He told camera crews, “It’s fantastic. This wonderful reception is not only for me but for the beginning of Aris’ vision.”

Aris announced the appointment earlier, highlighting Spanos’s résumé: former player for Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, NBA stint with the Houston Rockets, EuroLeague success with Monaco and previous tenure as Greece’s men’s national team coach. A press conference is scheduled for 15 June 2026 at noon to launch the new era for the club.