Calathes will try out for Greek team

Nick Calathes broke a school assist record and earned Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the year honors during an impressive first season at Florida.

This summer could prove even more exciting for the 6-foot-6 guard from Casselberry.

Calathes, a third-generation Greek American, received an invitation to try out for the Greek national basketball team.

After taking the first summer session of classes at UF, Calathes will leave for Greece on June 25. If Calathes makes the squad, he will take part in Olympic qualifying games in Athens from July 14-20, with a chance to advance with his team to the Summer Games in Beijing. 

"It's a tremendous opportunity," said Calathes' father, John, whose grandparents emigrated from Greece to New York City. :I lost my dad two years ago and this would have been a wonderful present to him."

Greek national team guidelines permit players from other countries that can prove paternal ancestry. Calathes and his older brother Pat, who just completed his senior year at St. Joseph's and is preparing for the NBA draft, have both applied for Greek passports and should be receiving them shortly.

John Calathes also confirmed that his son intends to return to Florida for his sophomore season. Several high profile freshmen, such as Kansas State forward Michael Beasley, Memphis guard Derrick Rose, USC guard O.J. Mayo and UCLA forward Kevin Love have already declared for the NBA draft.

"I don't think there was ever any question about that," John Calathes said. "He loves Florida and he loves Billy Donovan and all that he's done to help him become a better player."

Calathes averaged a team-best 15.3 points per game and dished a school record 221 assists in his freshman season at Florida.