In 2003, he was named head coach as part of a board's project to rebuild the squad with young players, after the glorious and expensive 1999–2003 period. Despite his (and his players') lack of experience, he did quite well, reaching the Greek League playoffs' final, and the EuroLeague Last 16, during the 2004–05 season. Youngsters who evolved into protagonists during his tenure, included future EuroBasket 2005 champions and EuroLeague stars, such as Nikos Zisis and Ioannis Bourousis.