Nicholas Gklaros-Stavropoulos’ Greatness Begins with Culture
3 Minute read
By Andrea Aruino
Nicholas Gklaros-Stavropoulos is a 7’0” junior at Archbishop Mitty High School who has been dominating at the varsity level ever since he was a freshman at St. Francis High School. He transferred to Mitty during his second year to join the renowned basketball program whose achievements include two CIF titles, six NorCal titles, and an extensive alumni list that includes 2023 NBA Champion, Aaron Gordon. Gklaros-Stavropoulos' strong build equips him with the natural ability to be a shot blocker, passer, as well as an unstoppable defender. His effect on the court has led Mitty to a 7-2 record within the West Catholic League and is currently on a four game win streak since January 23, 2026.
Gklaros-Stavropoulos’ basketball journey began at an elite level where he was immersed in spaces that challenged him. This has led him to play for prestigious AAU teams such as the Oakland Soldiers and Jalen Green Elite teaching him how to maintain endurance and strength through tough schedules. He learned that the environment was a crucial part of his and his teammates' success. When the time came for his transfer, he found the right fit for him at Mitty.
“A big thing for me is the culture of the team. I want to be in an environment that’s best for my development and be the best for a winning program. It also starts with our coaches and Coach [Tim] Kennedy is someone we all trust and believe in. Our team makes sure to foster an open door culture which plays a huge part in our success on and off the court,” Gklaros-Stavropoulos said.
With enough introspection, Gklaros-Stavropoulos has been able to pinpoint areas of growth that matter the most which includes the people he surrounds himself with on the court. Working out at UPBasketball has been something he values even more so after recovering from injury last summer which kept him from playing for the U-16 Greek National team. Being able to go in for a private session in the gym has helped him to get his reps in while also receiving valuable lessons from the coaches he works with.
“The feedback I get is great. All the coaches are really honest with you and they tell you how it is and there’s no sugarcoating. I do private sessions with Coach Corey [Cilia] the most. He has played at high levels from collegiate to overseas and that’s a huge benefit. His ability to simulate two man game with a big like myself or a guard throwing lobs is some high level insight that makes it easy for me as a big,” Gklaros-Stavropoulos said.
His work ethic and determination speaks for itself while he is on the court. In a recent win against their rival Bellarmine College Prep, he finished with 12 points finishing the game 66-47. The effect and energy he brought to the game is the leadership he hopes to instill wherever he goes. This momentum trickled in when he faced his ex high school team, St. Francis where he and his team took the win 72-46. Gklaros-Stavropoulos finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds exhibiting his ability to perform on both ends of the court.
As a junior in high school, Gklaros-Stavropoulos is not only focused on getting better everyday but he is now focusing on what his career will look like after high school. When he’s not in the gym, he and his father are intentional about reaching out to schools that are the right fit which comes with diligent research on coaching, team culture, and players. He aims to find a program whose values are instilled in maintaining a community that builds its players to be able to reach their full potential.
“My parents helped me manage the communication between college coaches. Creating those connections with those coaches and still reaching out to them even if they can’t respond is important. It’s good to be persistent when it comes to building a future for yourself,” Gklaros-Stavropoulos said.
Gklaros-Stavropoulos’ mindset is one whose foundation is built on being clear and intentional with his goals, making him a top prospect not only for his skills. This attitude has given him the ability to remain present in his daily work as he continues to invest consistent effort into the future of his basketball career. Going into the second half of his junior year, he hopes to help his team by being a leader and show why he’s a valuable asset to any team.
