Pat Calathes to leave PAO, in talks with Israeli teams

American-Greek forward and 2012 Greek Cup winner Pat Calathes, is entertaining a number of Israeli Division I proposals for the upcoming season, Calathes' agent Arik Krayn told Sportando via phone interview.

"We are talking with Israel's Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Rishon and possibly Hapoel Eilat as potential teams for Pat, but we also have interest from a Belgium club. Nevertheless, if he decides to come to Israel, he's bound to be one among the top players in the league," said Krayn.

Calathes, a Saint Joseph's University standout, who averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in his senior year in college, led the Hawks to its first NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Tournament appearance since 2004.

Several NBA mock drafts, including DraftExpress.com, had included Calathes as a draftee in their 2008 NBA mock draft boards. Pat was projected to be drafted as high as the late first round, however, he went undrafted.

Due to lack of opportunities, the 6'10" talent failed to showcase his abilities last season with local power Panathinaikos, and has recently approached team executives in request to part ways.
"Pat asked Panathinaikos to go in a different direction and we're happy they accepted his request without any difficulties," said Krayn. "We had an offer for Pat to rejoin his brother Nick in Russia with Lokomotiv Kuban, but Pat wants to be recognized for himself and play valuable minutes."

Because of his unique combination of height and guard skills, it was Maccabi Tel Aviv's David Blatt who gave Calathes a long hard look last summer. "I spoke with Coach Blatt about Pat a few times last summer, but we decided to join Panathinaikos," Krayn added.