Rhodes is famous for several things and first of all for the “Kolossos of Rodos”. But very few know that from Rhodes is originated also the famous basketball player, Nikos Galis.
Nikolaos Georgalis (Greek: Νικόλαος Γεωργαλής; born July 23, 1957) commonly known as either Nikos Galis (Greek: Νίκος Γκάλης), or Nick Galis, is a Greek former professional basketball player. His family has migrated in Usa and they changed their name from Georgalis in Galis. His is originated from a small village named Agios Isidoros (Αγιος Ισίδωρος). Galis who during his playing days was nicknamed, “Nick The Greek”, “The Gangster”, and “The Iron Man” is widely regarded as Europe’s greatest scorer to ever play the game, and as one of the all-time greatest players in FIBA international basketball history. In 1991, Galis was named one of FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players. In 2007, he became an inaugural member of the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was chosen as one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors. In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2023 had the honor to see his jersey #4 ritired by the Hellenic National Basketball team.
As a token of appreciation for his contribution to Hellenic sport, Galis was chosen to be the first torch bearer, in the final round of the Olympic Flame, for the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. Galis entered the stadium at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, and set off the procession of the flame to the altar.