Zisis Sarikopoulos, Greek Center Transfers

When Thad Matta lost one Greek center to the NBA in Kosta Koufos, he went out and picked up another by transfer. Zisis Sarikopoulos is transferring to the Basketball Buckeyes according to Head Coach Thad Matta.

Through Alabama-Birmingham

            Zisis Sarikopoulos comes to Ohio State through Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) where the 7’0” center average 1.8 points a game with 1.1 rebounds in 20 games. Sarikopoulos led the National Greece Under-18 team to a second place finish in the Euro Championships before joining UAB as a freshman. During the 2008-2009 season he will have to sit out due to NCAA requirements but will have three years of eligibility when he is available.

13 Players on Scholarship

            The Buckeyes where going to be short one scholarship player for the 2009-2010 team until they signed Sarikopoulos this last week. “Zisis will give us a physical presence and some size,” Head Coach Matta said about the center. “We have a year to work with him on getting stronger and learning our system. He entered college at only 17 years old. He will help immediately in practice. We are excited about his decision to join our program.”