Basketball Meets Collecting at the Santorini Experience with boys and girls training with Legends Evina Maltsi and Joe Arlauckas!
This past autumn, the Santorini Indoor Gym hosted a special Basketball Clinic featuring two iconic figures of the sport: Evina Maltsi, Olympic athlete & Women’s EuroBasket MVP, and Joe Arlauckas, EuroLeague legend & European champion with Real Madrid.
All participants received official EuroLeague trading cards, turning the clinic into a moment they could take home and treasure. For many of the kids, it was their first-ever trading card — a tangible connection to the players, teams, and heroes they admire!
Learning from the Legends
Basketball is more than a game, it’s inspiration, education, and connection. That belief came to life in Santorini, where young athletes experienced a truly unforgettable day on and off the court. Young players from the local clubs A.E. Santorini and Poseidon Santorini had the unique opportunity to train with, learn from, and interact with two international stars. Through drills, demonstrations, and hands-on coaching, the kids were introduced to the fundamentals, techniques, and mindset that define elite-level basketball.
A Special Moment Off the Court
What made the experience even more memorable was what followed the training. Each child received official EuroLeague trading cards from Panini America, turning the clinic into a moment they could take home and treasure. For many of the kids, it was their first-ever trading card — a tangible connection to the players, teams, and heroes they admire.
Holding EuroLeague cards in their hands, asking questions, trading with teammates, and getting autographs transformed the day into something magical. It wasn’t just about collecting — it was about building memories, sparking curiosity, and strengthening their bond with the sport.
Building the Future of the Game
Events like this show how basketball can educate, inspire, and unite. By combining on-court learning with the excitement of EuroLeague collectibles, the clinic created a complete experience that speaks directly to the next generation of fans and players.
In Santorini, basketball didn’t just teach skills — it created smiles, dreams, and future collectors. And for these kids, the journey with the game is only just beginning.
This is just the beginning — stay tuned for more events and more moments that bring sports and the collecting community together.
Keep up with all products, blog posts and news posted on our website in order to learn everything about #thehobby!
Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to our YouTube channel!