Upper Darby, PA – Basketball is big in Philly for Greeks. How big you ask? From across the Delaware Valley, Greek men come out twice a week to participate in this highly competitive league that is now in it’s seventh season.
On Thursday evening this past week, the league tipped off at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church again. With 6 of the 9 teams participating on opening night, it also caught the attention of the Ahepa, Power District 4. Athletic Director, Nick Voutsakis presented a check (one of two) with fellow AHEPANS to league commissioners, John Vasiliou, Bill Zonios and Vasili Rousseas after the first game for $1,000. Voutsakis announced, that a second check would be presented midway through the season as well. The AHEPA has kept an eye on the league that brings so many Greek men together and has sponsored a banner to hang in the gym during game action proclaiming their support. They hope to recruit players to also join the endeavors of the AHEPA.
The PGBL has also attracted media attention and the Greek community from as far away as NY and Atlantic City. Rumors of expanding the league in other cities has been floating around the past few years. For now, the league and St. Demetrios church continues to provide a venue for the Greek community to come out, cheer for their favorite team, and mingle with fellow Hellenes over a slice of Spanakopita.
This past Thursday, 6 teams met up for the first round of game action. The next round of match ups will be on Sunday and continue twice a week (Thursday and Sunday nights). The games are free to watch and highly competitive. The league schedule, and break down of the game action by Mr. PGBL’s Corner are posted online at Phillygreekball.com