Name: Marina Apostolou
Height: 5-9
Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard
High School: Excel Hoops Institute (Ontario)
Graduation Class: 2025
GPA: 4.0
Status: Uncommitted
Marina Apostolou is a 5-9 Combo Guard from Mississauga, Ontario. She's currently a freshman at Excel Hoops Institute. Apostolou is an international prospect from Canada who's just starting her journey playing against high level competition. Apostolou enrolled into Excel Hoops Institute this past summer and has already been thrown into a busy schedule. Apostolou is a very smooth guard with a great feel for the game. She's very aggressive scoring from all three levels and will find anyway possible to get the job done on the offensive end. Off the court, Apostolou is a joy to work with. She was always joyful throughout our project with a lot of high energy. Did you know that Apostolou is in the drama club at her school? It explains why she's so animated sometimes *laughs*. I discovered Apostolou off of Twitter from a Canadian media outlet who posted a game highlight. Social media is a very powerful tool, but I'm glad that Twitter and Instagram helps me recruit wonderful prospects. I think it was her mother, Tamme that retweeted that post, but if that's the case, then it is true that moms always know best *laughs*. But Apostolou can be a dangerous player one day once she grows in her game at the prep level. I fully believe in this prospect and will continue supporting her. Let's get to know more about the Canadian hooper!
MARINA APOSTOLOU INTERVIEW
When did you start playing basketball?
"I started playing basketball in sixth grade at 11 years old."
Describe your game.
"As a player I am hardworking, focused, and determined. As the captain of my team, I do a great job in motivating others as well as myself. My game is versatile as I play point guard, small forward and shooting guard. My skill set consists of three-point shooting, pushing the ball in transition, playmaking, trap defense, court vision and strong stamina."
You told me that your last name, “Apostolou” was Greek. I wasn’t aware of it, but I’m curious to know, do you celebrate any traditions and or holidays in your Greek culture?
"Being Greek is very important to me. I celebrate many different holidays such as Greek Easter and Religious Name Days. My Name Day, St. Marina is on July 17th. As with everything, we celebrate it with food, family and friends. Being a Greek-Canadian, I am extremely proud to have a cultural background with lots of history, complexity and impact on the rest of the world."
COVID-19 has impacted the world and especially with your previous season being postponed. Now being a freshman in high school, how have you been adjusting back to the swing of things in order to get back rhythm?
"It’s been an easy adjustment, because I never stopped working on my craft. COVID-19 gave me the opportunity to work on my ball-handling skills, fitness and shooting. Now entering my freshman year, I have skills that I can now apply to my game that I did not have prior to COVID-19."
Why did you choose Excel Hoops to continue your student-athlete career at the high school level?
"I chose Excel Hoops Prep to continue my student-athlete career at the high school level because Excel Hoops gives me the opportunity to train with experienced and successful coaches. Such as coaches Edson Jones and Jason Brade. Excel Hoops also offers its athletes support off the court; for example, nutritional education and film study."
What is a typical day for you like at Excel Hoops?
"My typical day at Excel Hoops starts with technical training at 6:30 am, Monday to Friday. Morning classes start at 8:15 am and end at 10:40 am. Then on days I do not have student council or drama executive meetings, I hit the weight room at lunch three days a week. Afternoon classes start at 12:15 pm and end at 2:38 pm. After school, I go to study haul for one hour, until practice begins at 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.""
What are your plans for next spring?
"Currently, I am trying out for numerous AAU teams. This spring, I will be playing JUEL Prep for the Mississauga Monarchs."
What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be? What does your typical training look like?
"When I am not training with the Excel Hoops team, I am training with my JUEL Prep team. I also train with Coaches Kenny Manning and Girbran Smith on my off days."
Which athletes do you look up to the most?
"An athlete I look up to is Shaquille O’Neal. He has had many successes on and off the court. He is a philanthropist and a family man. He embodies what an athlete should be."
Who is your role model?
"One of my role models is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because she is a strong feminist, who is making her mark on the political world. She is strong-willed, outspoken and driven. Her desire to change the world is something I respect and admire."
It’s still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your freshman season?
"I am looking forward to fierce competition and opportunities to show off my game. I am also excited to travel to the US and to play in tougher circuits and showcase my talents."
Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people?
"Something I would say to anyone that is just starting basketball is to work hard and to not let small setbacks keep you from pursuing your dreams. Always remember why you started playing, your love for the game will keep you motivated to take yourself to the next level."
Marina Apostolou - Excel Prep Hoops '25
Marina Apostolou - Freshman Season Highlights (2021-2022)
Twitter @MarinaApostolo2
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