Keri Skari died, little known but wrote basketball history

The basketball world mourns the passing of Keri Skari, a former U.S. basketball player who died at the age of 63. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but the news immediately struck a deep chord with fans and insiders in both the United States and Europe.

Selected at the 1985 NBA Draft with the 37th call, Skari played three seasons with the Utah Jazz, also experiencing a brief stint with the New York Knicks. After the NBA run he decided to move to Europe, joining Olympiakos in the 1988/89 season and becoming the first foreign player to serve in the Greek top league. It was a historic move that helped open the doors of Hellenic basketball to numerous international talents in the following years.

With the jersey of the Greek club he played 19 games, traveling at an average of 21.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest. After his experience in Greece, he continued his career between Spain and South America, also playing in Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

Although going through up and down seasons, Skari left an important imprint especially in Greek basketball, contributing to the growth and modernization of the movement. For this he is remembered as a pioneering figure in European basketball, capable of inspiring entire generations of players.