“Spanoulis”
Term: Spanoulis
Definition: an offensive action in which a guard/wing cuts from under the rim towards the top of the key for a handoff
Note on Usage: Spanoulis vs “Gut Chicago” vs “Rip DHO”:
Everybody seems to agree that a “Spanoulis” always involves a shooter cutting from under the basket towards the top of the key for a handoff. But opinions differ regarding what that shooter does before the DHO: set a backscreen, receive a screen, both, or neither.
Vassilis Spanoulis, the legendary Greek namesake of this action, often received a screen before the DHO—an action sometimes called “Gut Chicago”:
But others use “Spanouils” for a Rip DHO that takes place near the top of the key: The shooter sets a back (rip) screen before getting the handoff. That’s how ESPN’s Mark Jones uses the term to describe Donovan Mitchell’s Rip DHO 3 against the Chicago Bulls:
Furthermore, Golden State’s Draymond Green used “Spanoulis” on his podcast to refer to any DHO in which the shooter cuts from under the rim, through to paint, and to the top of the key:
The different definitions can be confusing, but that’s something humans often do, whether or not it’s related to basketball (see: the 7+ terms for a hero/sub/hoagie/grinder sandwich).
Origin of the Name: Vassilis Spanoulis, the legendary Greek basketball player idolized by Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo as kids.
How It Works: In the top diagram, 4 screens for 2, who then receives a DHO from 5.
