Kostas Kaimakoglou: «I want to thank UNICS and all the people that make this place home for me»

Interview

11.09.2021

11.09.2021

Dear friends,

The time has come for me to say farewell to my playing days.
Basketball has been my beloved companion, my support, my shelter, my tears and laughters, my dreams, my pride, and my life for almost as long as I can remember.
It carried me all around the world, introduced me to wonderful people, reshaped my values, helped me chase my dreams, pulled me up when I was down, showed me the way when I was lost but most of all made me want to be a better man.

I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all my teammates that stood next to me but also all my opponents that stood against me and made me work harder, as well as my coaches for their help and support.
I will never forget all the fans for the cheers and the love they gave me.
I will cherish in my heart each and every team I played for, starting from my neighborhood team Kyriarhoi, to Near East, Marousi, Panathinaikos, and my beloved Greek National team. Last but not least, I would like to thank Unics Kazan and all the people around the organisation, starting from the president to the staff and everyone involved that made this place home for me during the last 9 years of my career.
To my family and friends, including my long time agent, saying thank you for your unconditional support throughout the years isn’t enough. I couldn’t have done it without you.

I am walking out of the courts with my head held up high knowing that I gave it all to the sport I loved. And that makes me proud. Finally, to all the kids out there who have fallen in love with basketball I’ll say: “Dare to chase your dreams, work hard and you will never walk alone”. My journey as a basketball player ends here but life goes on. Basketball will be in my heart and mind forever and the best is yet to come.