Nominated for the Skroutz Book Awards 2025 Audience Awards.

There are no mountains you cannot conquer.

Panagiotis Giannakis

The "Dragon" of Greek basketball carried all of Greece on his shoulders in 1987. He won every title, was glorified both as a player and as a coach, but he never forgot his childhood friends, his first coach, and his mother Kalliopi.

Journalist Pantelis Vlachopoulos was his companion for a year, diving into the story of his novel-like life. He saw him reminisce, get angry, forgive, break down, dream, and be moved.

His views are as tough as rock, his mark on Greek sports clear and brilliant. In the pages of this book, Panagiotis Giannakis speaks in the first person about the way he thinks, his worldview, and the ideals he stands for. Timeless ideals that can serve as a shining path for the new generation.

This dark-haired boy with the protruding ears from Nikaia explains how he overcame all adversities, obstacles, and doubts, and from the poor house on Patmou Street, he fought his way into homes all over the world.

He fell many times, but stood up again and again.

He was and is both vulnerable and invincible. If you focus on excuses, you will miss the chance to live an exciting life.

The fence had to fall, the court had to grow, and I had to gain vision.

Sports and victories are wonderful, but when you win back your life, you become the ultimate definition of a winner.

We must see our greatest opponent as our best coach.

Panagiotis Giannakis