‘Relentless Motor. Unbridled Passion.’ Louisville’s Kelsey praises Greek signee Zougris

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — When Evangelos “Vangelis” Zougris committed to Louisville last week, Pat Kelsey let the glasses do the talking. One, simple social media post: “Warrior. IYKYK.”

Now that it’s official, the Cardinals coach can spell out his high praise for the physical Greek forward who was called a “Greek warrior” in a Eurobasket profile story.

“There’s a picture of Zou in his beloved Greek national team jersey, screaming with blood gushing down his face,” Kelsey said Monday. “That’s the perfect depiction of him as a player.”

Zougris (pronounced ZOO-gris) signed with Louisville to join the 2025-26 roster, becoming the latest international addition to Kelsey’s first team. The 6-foot-8 forward from Athens, Greece, spent the past four seasons playing professionally for Peristeri Athens in the Greek Basketball League.

He averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds this past season while shooting 65% from the field in 27 games — and showed enough to earn a spot on the Greek national team, where he moved up to the senior squad in 2023 after years with the junior team. He was named to the All-Tournament team at European FIBA events in both 2023 and 2024.

Kelsey said Zougris is about more than the stats — it’s how he plays.

“Card Nation will love his grit, relentless motor and the unbridled passion he plays with on every possession,” Kelsey said. “His IQ and skill level are outstanding. He plays very well out of the pick and roll and finishes well around the basket with both power and touch.”

Defensively, he brings versatility — able to switch onto guards, challenge shots at the rim, and battle on the glass. Kelsey even highlighted his ability as a screener, calling it “an unsung key to modern offense” and something Zougris does “at an elite level.”

With professional experience and a physical, no-frills style, Zougris arrives at Louisville ready to contribute — and leave a mark.

Even if the first hint came in just five words: “Warrior. IYKYK.”

‘Relentless Motor. Unbridled Passion.’ Louisville’s Kelsey praises Greek signee Zougris | Sports

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