Promise Kept: Dejan Bodiroga's Banner Returns to OAKA Arena

Pulse Sports Team 20:27 - 12 September 2026

Basketball club Panathinaikos has reinstalled the banner featuring Dejan Bodiroga in the rafters of the OAKA arena.

Panathinaikos boasts a rich tradition of raising championship banners in its home arena. Seven banners adorn the OAKA arena, commemorating their seven EuroLeague titles. Among them is one dedicated to Dejan Bodiroga.

Bodiroga and Panathinaikos clinched the EuroLeague title in 2000. However, that banner was later removed after Dimitris Giannakopoulos expressed his anger at the EuroLeague's top official over what he perceived as unfair officiating against his team. The banner was taken down on March 6th but was reinstated on September 12th.

Dimitris Giannakopoulos recently stated his intention to return the banner, and he has now made good on that promise.

Because everyone makes mistakes. Dejan was a Panathinaikos legend, Dejan is a legend of European basketball, and above all – Dejan is my friend. He is someone who has remained in basketball and holds a specific position. When you're in the spotlight, you're bound to receive both applause and criticism. I wasn't pleased with certain things, but my decision was definitely wrong, and it will be rectified. The banner will be back very soon. Do you know anyone who doesn't make mistakes? From the moment I make you – willingly or unwillingly – admit your mistakes, whether you like it or not, I must also acknowledge and accept my own. There are things in my life that I forgive, but there are also things I won't forgive even in the next lifetime.Dimitris Giannakopoulos