Panathinaikos BC announces the signing of Andy Panko, after reaching an agreement for 2 (1+1) years. He is 2m05 and plays as a forward.
Andrew John Panko was the 2011-12 first scorer and MVP of ACB league, as a result of a steadily rising career in European basketball. He was born on the 29th of November, 1997 in Harrisburg (Pennsylvania, USA). From Bishop mcDevitt High School, he moved to NCAA in Lebanon Valley College. As a pro he made his first steps in 1999 and for New Mexico Slam (IBL). He played for the Atlanta Hawks (2001), he moved to Napoli (2001-02) and then back to USA, playing for the Dakota Wizards in CBA, getting the MVP title. His steps led him back in Europe. In Girona (2003-05), Sevilla (2004-05), PAOK (2006), Bilbao (2005-07) and finally San Sebastian (2007-12).
Andy Panko stated: “There is nothing better than to play for Panathinaikos. It’s the best team in Europe in the last 10-15 years. I am really excited. I know that the team is being rebuilt, but that doesn’t make me less excited. I know Diamantidis, I know Sofo (Schortsanitis), but also Bramos, since we have played against each other in ACB. There is a new team and if I can say one thing is that you don’t need too many stars to build a good team. You need played who want to play for the team and love to work every single day. I don’t like giving promises. I will play the basketball I know, I will do whatever the coach asks me to do. I can play both as a small and a power forward. I would say that I am more of a small forward, but my coach in Spain used me as a four this year and I can say that it worked out fine, since I got the MVP title in ACB. But all these are part of the past. What counts for me is what is going to happen now and in Panathinaikos”.
