Kyle Hines's goodbye to basketball

"Today I officially announce my retirement from professional basketball. A career that started in 2008, I could have never imagined that basketball would have taken me this far. When I didn't get drafted, what I thought would be one of the biggest disappointments in my life turned out to be my biggest blessing... Coming to Europe gave me the opportunity to grow as a person, it allowed me to compete at the highest level. It allowed to become a competitor, a leader, and a champion. Off the court, it has given me the opportunity to travel the world, meet so many great people and share in some amazing moments that will last a lifetime.

"My journey has been nothing short but amazing. My dreams of playing professional basketball, while the individual and team accomplishments mean a lot, they weren't the reason I played the game. I played the game for the work, the love, and the opportunity to compete with my teammates every single day. My grandfather once told me: do the best you can be possible, do with the tools you have been given. That was my goal every day I stepped on the basketball court.

"Thank you to my wife, Gianna, for giving the love and support I needed to have a successful career. Thank you, Anya, Justin, and Cash for being my why every single day. My parents, my brother, and sister, thank you for your support no matter where I am in the world. I can always count on you guys to be there. To my Hines, Smith, and other extended family members, thank you for always holding it down and supporting from afar. To my Sickerville, Timber Creek and Team Hines family, thank you for pushing me to reach new levels and never be satisfied, gym all day!!! To my agent, Misko, thank you for believing in me and putting me in the best position possible to achieve my dreams. To Lance Young and the late George Dimitropoulos, both of whom had a great early impact on my career, thank you for teaching me the business early in my career.

"To my legendary coaches Trinchieri, Cancellieri, Chris Fleming, Duda Ivkovic, Coach Bartzokas, Itoudis and Messina, thank you for pushing me to become a better player but more importantly, a better human being. I learned so many life lessons from you all. To all the team strength coaches, trainers, physios and therapists, thank you for all the work behind the scenes, you guys are the real reason I was able to have a 16-year career. Thank you to my trainers who I work with during the off-season back home, thank you for giving me the tools to get better every single season. To my teammates, thank you for the opportunity to work with you all. We are more than teammates now, we are a brotherhood, my time with you all is what I'm going to miss the most.

"To Veroli Basket, Brose Bamberg, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow, Olimpia and everyone that has worked or associated, thank you for trusting me to represent your clubs, it was an honor to wear your teams' uniforms. To Veroli, Brose, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow and Olimpia basketball fans, thank you for all the love and support. You will have my heart forever.

"As I start the next chapter, I look forward to starting a new adventure with you all.

All the best. 42."