Davatzis Uses Basketball to Teach Children Life and Greek Values

Dean Avlonitis

TNH File Photo
Nikos Davatzis, with a coach’s index/board in his hands shows young girl players of Flushing, some of the plays they will use in their game. Born and bred in the Diaspora, Davatzis, who has an intense presence in the Community, and was a well-known basketball player, for Long Island University and then for the Greek team Aris.

NEW YORK - At the heart of the Greek neighborhood in Brooklyn, and particularly Bay Ridge, are the school community facilities, and the gym, where the children’s basketball championships are held. During a match break, we spoke with Flushing girls’ team coach, Nikos Davatzis. In fluent Greek and with great passion for the Greek youths in America, he said that, “My passion in life is the Greek language, our culture, the continuation of Hellenism in America in this great country. I believe that the case of Hellenism in America has a future. Of course, it all depends on us all.”

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February 17, 2011

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Thursday, May 23, 2013 Last Update: 8:15 AM ET