GRE - Sloukas proving to be no slouch

ATHENS (Euroleague/Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Kostas Sloukas made the step up to Greece's top team at the EuroBasket last summer in Lithuania, taking full advantage of Dimitrios Diamantidis' international retirement and an injury that kept Vassilis Spanoulis out of the squad.

With the expected return of Spanoulis, his Olympiacos teammate, the 22-year-old Sloukas is making a strong case to be in the side again when the number four team in the FIBA World Rankings plays at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela.

Sloukas has forced his way into the rotation of Reds coach Dusan Ivkovic and in a near flawless performance in this week's 83-65 Euroleague triumph over Anadolu Efes, he had a season-high 15 points in just under 18 minutes on the court.

The Thessaloniki native was five of seven from the floor, including two of three from long range, and converted all three of his free-throw attempts.

He also played terrific defense.

"He took his chances and he is doing well," Ivkovic said.

"At the beginning of the season, Kostas was the 13th player.

"But I advised him to be patient and keep working hard."

Last season, Ivkovic, gave Konstantinos Papanikolaou an opportunity to play big minutes and that helped him earn a spot in the Greece national team.

With Milos Teodosic having left the Reds for CSKA Moscow last summer, Sloukas is being rewarded for his attentiveness, determination and hard work.

Making the night even sweeter for him was the standing ovation he received from the Olympiacos faithful.

"I am trying to do my best in every game," Sloukas said.

"It is great to enjoy a standing ovation from the fans and I am satisfied because I worked hard, especially on defense, to get a place here."

The draw for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament was held this week.

Greece, who earned a trip to Caracas with a sixth-place finish at the EuroBasket, will play against Jordan and Puerto Rico in Group A.

FIBA