Vangelis Zougris: Louisville basketball player profile
With a continued look into the 2025-26 Louisville Cardinals basketball roster, the fifth player in our basketball profile series is Vangelis Zougris.
Previous player profiles: Sananda Fru, Mouhamed Camara, Kobe Rodgers, Aly Khalifa
Vangelis Zougris is one of the more intriguing additions to Louisville’s roster for this upcoming season. With the influx of European talent to college basketball, Zougris fits that bill and will be a fun front-court addition to the Louisville roster. After the departure of James Scott and Frank Anselem-Ibe, Louisville has a complete roster at the center position.
Before joining Louisville, the 6-foot-8 big man played for Peristeri Athens of the Greek Basketball League. During the 2024-25 season with this club, he averaged 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
He’s also a decorated member of their national team, playing with both the junior and senior Greek national teams over the years, according to FIBA Basketball.
Zougris’ background of playing both at the professional and FIBA levels will assist with his transition to the college ranks. He’s played in the first division in Greece, so high expectations will not be new to him.
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Pat Kelsey’s thoughts on the Vangelis Zougris Signing
After the signing of the Greek Big in June 2025, Coach Pat Kelsey had the following thoughts on him, according to Louisville Athletics.
“The picture of Zou in his beloved Greek national team jersey as he screams with blood gushing down his face is a perfect depiction of him as a player. Card Nation will love his grit, relentless motor and the unbridled passion he plays with on every possession. 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. He provides defensive versatility because of his ability to switch and defend guards off the dribble. He challenges shots at the rim and pursues the ball on the glass. Screening is such an unsung key to modern offense and I believe he does this at an elite level. Playing in one of the best professional leagues in the world for the last several years has prepared him to impact our program immediately.”
Vangelis Zougris Offensive Scouting Report
Where Zougris impacts the game most offensively is through his finishing package. His strong frame allows him to carve out space against defenders, using his shoulders to bully opponents at the rim. He also has some touch finishing ability, using push shots in short roll actions.
He’s also an instinctive roller, knowing when to slip screens and dive to the rim for finishes at the rim. Not only is he effective as a roller, but also as a screener. He pins defenders with his strong screens, allowing space for the ball-handler to create or shoot.
The 6-foot-8 big also adds value on the offensive glass, fighting through contact to snatch rebounds in traffic. He’s pretty explosive, as well, which allows him to contribute through putbacks. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 1.7 offensive rebounds per game.
Where Zougris can develop offensively is as a floor-spacer, but don’t expect him to have much volume in this regard. He will be asked to play to his strengths, specifically as a roller and finisher. Fortunately, the roster has an abundance of shooters, which will coincide with his skill set.
Vangelis Zougris Defensive Scouting Report
Where Zougris will stand out defensively is through his switchability. His combination of strength and lateral mobility gives him the flexibility to defend multiple positions. He’s more than capable of defending in space, as he plays in a stance and slides his feet well. His frame and competitiveness allow him to defend bigs/forwards as well, as he invites contact and battles in the paint.
Around the rim, his physicality helps with jockeying for position and not allowing post players to seal him, but where he can face issues is contesting taller players. His lack of height makes positioning around the rim crucial to his success in altering/contesting shots.
How does he fit in Louisville’s System?
First of all, Zougris’ demeanor will be a welcome fit within Louisville’s culture. His competitive fire is what the staff looks for. Experience has been prioritized in their roster acquisition strategy, and the Greek product has just that.
The forward/center brings different skills from the other bigs currently on the roster. Aly Khalifa brings passing and shooting, while Sananda Fru will add finesse finishing and rim-protection. Zougris will add a different element to his physical presence around the rim and his defensive switchability on the perimeter. Kelsey and his staff have the luxury of having centers with different skillsets to utilize, which will help when facing different personnel throughout the season.
Bottom Line: Overall, the international big will bring value through his high motor, defensive versatility, and finishing package. His competitiveness is contagious and will rub off on his teammates. Zougris will be a unique wrinkle in the frontcourt, which has various archetypes to rely on throughout the season.
