PAOK Prepares for EuroCup: Italian Preseason Tour Begins with Friendly Matches Against Udinese, Assessing Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman

PAOK Thessaloniki has officially begun the preparation phase for the 2026-2026 EuroCup season with a preseason tour in Italy, marking an important step in the Greek club's long-term plan. According to official sources from the club, the journey begins in Milan and will conclude in Udine, where a memorial exhibition tournament is taking place. This development is not only an opportunity for coaches and players to familiarize with the European playing rhythm but also a chance to test the team's readiness under the guidance of coach Andrea Trinchieri. Before delving into the detailed schedule and player assessment, it should be noted that this is a preseason phase, where the focus is not on the result but on building the team, team spirit, and data analysis from friendly matches. To understand the context better, recall that PAOK has always been one of the ambitious teams in EuroCup, especially in recent years when they have continuously challenged the big clubs. This tour was planned right after the domestic preparation phase, with the schedule detailed through the club's media channels. The journey is expected to start on Friday morning, September 4, the team will fly from Greece to Venice and then to Udine to participate in the 'Udine Tournament 2026 - Commemorating Piera Paglieta'. The tournament will be held in a single-elimination format, starting with the opening match on Saturday, September 5 at 21:30, where PAOK will face the host Udinese directly at the local stadium. After the first match, depending on the result, the team will play in the small final on Sunday, September 6, facing Reggio Emilia or Napoli based on the temporary table standings. This is a smart choice to get acquainted with Italian teams, who are known for their high physical play and solid defense. The Greek team under coach Trinchieri is expected to focus on testing the synergy between key players, especially in the use of the backcourt duo of Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman. According to EuroCup's assessment, these two players are highly regarded for their attacking coordination, Calathes in the playmaking role and Osman with speed, creating a tough duo for opponents. After the Udine phase, the team will travel to Milan on Monday, September 7, to participate in a full-week training session. This is an important phase for PAOK to get used to the European training environment, using modern facilities and following the playing pace. Coach Trinchieri will be in Italy for the next ten days, ensuring close coordination between the coaching staff and medical team. During the Milan training week, the team will have an important friendly match on Tuesday, September 12 at 19:00, facing Armani Milan - a strong opponent in Serie A. This match will be an opportunity for PAOK to test their adaptability to Italian teams, while evaluating the effectiveness of substitution and tactical rotation. Bryn Tyree, the player for PAOK, is currently absent due to arthroscopy, which creates a blind spot in the roster. Tyree, in the role of a key player in the backcourt, is often expected to provide creativity and flexible defense. However, this absence forces PAOK to adjust tactics, focusing more on Calathes and Osman. According to reports, both players are ready to participate, and EuroCup has praised their synergy, stating that 'We can't wait to see this duo'. The return of P. Giannakopoulos from Panathinaikos to PAOK also contributes to the depth of the roster, providing flexibility in other positions. A more detailed analysis of the personnel shows that Calathes and Osman are at their peak form, with effective ball usage and scoring from long range. While Tyree is absent, the arthroscopy injury to the knee requires close monitoring to prevent recurrence. In the media narrative, the tour is assessed positively, with hopes for the Calathes-Osman duo. In the European basketball industry, this tour brings positive impacts to the Italian market, helping PAOK strengthen its position. Overall, PAOK is shaping the roster, with the Italian tour being a strategic move. Despite the challenges ahead, the Greek team promises to explode in EuroCup, with Calathes and Osman as the center. Follow updates to see more clearly.