Dora Panteli, who played professionally in Greece for much of the 2010s (right), graduated from Harvard Business School’s entertainment, media, and sports program in 2024 (above). Besides her basketball work in Europe, Panteli has been part of the NBA Summer League coverage in the U.S. (top right, with basketball great Isiah Thomas).
PANTELI CALLS HER TIME at Binghamton “a life-changing experience.” She majored in English, minored in theatre and philosophy, politics, and law (PPL), and played three seasons for the Bearcats. As a senior in 2009–10, Panteli was a team captain and started 20 games, averaging more than five rebounds a game. She also served as president of Binghamton’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Panteli used theatre classes to develop her English speaking and to showcase her communication skills. She recalls key encouragement from then-faculty members Carol Hanscom and Tom Kremer. “[Carol] told me: You need to remember that you have a talent. People want to watch you perform, no matter what your career is,” Panteli says. “Even though I ended up switching careers — I was a teacher and a psychologist — I ended up on TV. She was right: I am performing and using my talents.” After graduation, Panteli played professionally in Greece’s top league for six years, received a master’s degree in clinical psychology, worked as a counselor at the American Community Schools of Athens, and established her own psychology practice. 18
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She was also urged to pursue TV sports after appearing as a guest. After a couple of years as a basketball player/psychologist/counselor/ commentator, Panteli decided to dedicate her full attention to the game she loves. “When I was playing, I thought: When I stop, I’m not going to be around basketball,” she recalls. “I was lying to myself. I just want to be around basketball.” Panteli soon added more “firsts” to her list of accomplishments: In 2019, she became the first Greek female— and only the fourth European female commentator — to commentate on a EuroLeague game. In 2023, she became the first Greek female to commentate on a FIBA Basketball World Cup game. She worked hard (and fearlessly) to convince skeptics that a young woman can cover a man’s game on television. “There will always be doubters when you’re a woman in sports,” she says. “Even if you are knowledgeable and played the game, it doesn’t mean you can analyze the game. So, I studied the game — attending coaching seminars and getting a coaching degree from the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board. I added to my résumé so I could have a strong presence and be credible. “I’m also young for this industry,” the 38-yearold says. “I entered the job in my 30s and many colleagues were in their 50s. I’ve never been afraid of doing new things and taking risks. It’s a constant struggle and fight, but we’re getting there” PANTELI IS NOW branching out beyond her sportstelevision work. She founded a production company called Panda Media; graduated from Harvard Business School’s entertainment, media and sports program; serves as an ambassador and creative director for many brands and companies; speaks about leadership, women empowerment, and other