Brampton Honey Badgers Alumni Excel in Greek Basketball League

Brampton – Two former Brampton Honey Badgers players, Petros Melissaratos and Cole Syllas, are off to a strong start with their new club, A.O. Mykonos, in Greece’s Elite League. Following the conclusion of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season earlier this summer, both players have made an impressive transition overseas, helping A.O. Mykonos secure a 6-1 start to their season.

For Syllas, a Queens University graduate and 2024 CEBL Draft second-round pick, this marks his first professional season outside North America. Reflecting on the transition, Syllas noted the value of having Melissaratos as a teammate and mentor. “It’s crazy how the tables turned from me showing off Canada to him, to now him helping guide me through this journey in Greece. Having a familiar face and friend here with me is helpful in adjusting to the life of a professional athlete,” Syllas said.

During his time with the Honey Badgers, Syllas averaged 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds over eight games, achieving a career-high 13 points against the Ottawa BlackJacks on May 26. Now, in Greece, he has played in all seven of A.O. Mykonos’ games, highlighted by an eight-point, five-rebound performance on October 16 in a win over AEO Proteas Voulas.

Melissaratos, a seasoned professional from Athens, brought veteran leadership to Brampton during his first stint outside Greece in his 13-year career. With the Honey Badgers, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds across 17 games, capping the season with a standout 18-point performance in the regular-season finale on July 29.

Returning to familiar territory, Melissaratos has continued his solid form, averaging 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for A.O. Mykonos. His consistent double-digit scoring has been instrumental in the team’s current first-place standing in the league.

The duo’s on-court chemistry and mutual support have played a crucial role in the club’s early success. Their next challenge comes on November 16, when A.O. Mykonos faces Hanth B.C.

Meanwhile, Brampton Honey Badgers fans are gearing up for the CEBL’s seventh season, set to tip off in May 2025. Season tickets are now available at honeybadgers.ca/tickets or by contacting tickets@honeybadgers.com.