Panathinaikos Signs Nick Calathes

**Kill_Bill_Pana** · 05-23-2009

http://www.gainesville.com/article/2...play-in-Greece

The short-lived Nick Calathes era is over at Florida.

Calathes confirmed in a text message to The Sun on Saturday that he will forgo his junior season at Florida to play professionally in Greece. He did not return additional calls seeking comment.

A source close to Calathes' family said the 6-foot-5 guard from Casselberry had agreed to a three-year contract with reigning Euroleague Basketball champion Panathinaikos. The source said the deal, with incentives, could pay Calathes up to $2 million per season.

Calathes has an option to leave after the first year of the deal if he chooses to pursue a career in the NBA. But he is committed to playing basketball next season overseas. Calathes could still keep his name in this June's NBA Draft and get picked with the understanding the organization will hold his rights while he is playing in Greece.

Calathes led Florida in scoring in each of his first two seasons, but was unable to lead the Gators to the NCAA Tournament in each of those years. He earned Co-Southeastern Conference Freshman of the year honors and made the All-SEC first team as a sop re.

The departure of Calathes leaves Erving Walker as the lone remaining scholarship point guard on the Florida roster. Incoming freshman Kenny Boynton also could help at point guard next season, though he's more suited to play shooting guard.

Calathes played last summer for the Greek 20-under Olympic basketball team. He admitted it was an up-and-down experience, but in a recent interview with The Sun he said he felt playing in Greece could be different as a pro. He will join his older brother, Pat, who is playing professionally in the Euroleague for Greek team Maroussi.

"I think it would be different than last time because my brother is over there," Calathes said following a recent workout in Bradenton. "It's a big difference."

Calathes put his name into the NBA Draft in March without an agent and was initially projected as a late first to early second-round draft pick. But following impressive workouts this week with the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, Calathes was reportedly improving his stock. Another source close to Calathes said he was seeking a promise from the Mavericks, who hold pick No. 22 in the first round.

Panathinaikos, meanwhile, pressured Calathes to sign a contract and finally made an offer that was too lucrative for him to refuse, a source said. With his Greek heritage, Calathes also was told by the team he could make additional income in endorsements.

Calathes set school records for assists in a season in each of his two years at Florida. He also recorded two triple-doubles during his UF career, more than any player in school history.