We left for the game
in plenty of time which is a direct contradiction to Greek time, and after
waiting for trains to nowhere and buses to nowhereville, finally arrived midway
throught the third quarter. In two stints, Kosta had eight easy points, some
coming on great assists from fellow Greek American, Nick Kalathis, who played at
Florida and who is a fine playmaker. His life is good because the Greek team can
shoot lights out.
After the game, Kosta treated the Salt Lake kids--who
he met last year while playing in Salt Lake and who were thrilled to learn he
was playing during their stay in Greece--to a dinner in the Plaka. The wife and
I stayed behind. When we said good-night, we parted with the customary game of
male kissy face. I'm not so good at it, and neither is Kosta. And neither of us
would be caught dead making like that in public back home. Him, because he works
for that mans man, Sloan, and me because I'm simply shy.
I'm sure Sloan
would gladly settle for a good Illinois farmer handshake. But this is for
real--Kosta is a hard worker who can play, and it's pretty clear Sloan knows
that. If Boozer keeps complaining his way out of town, Koufos is sure to get
more playing time, and at only 20 years old, that can't be anything but good
news for Jazz faithful.