Ponitka: “Panathinaikos was one of the worst in the Euroleague last year – I hope Balcherovski succeeds”

THE Mateus Ponitka admitted that the Panathinaikos last season they were one of the worst teams in the EuroLeague and attributed his move to Partizan mainly thanks to his performances in EuroBasket. At the same time, he spoke about Alexander Balcherovski and wished him success in the “clover”.

His statements in detail in “przegladsportowy”:

About his presence in Greece and that he had fewer matches compared to other years: “Maybe in many matches we didn’t win, but when I go out on the field I give 100%. If you let go, your opponents will make fun of you and I don’t want to be made fun of. I’ve been building my place in the Euroleague for several years and I don’t want to lose it. In the Greek league, at least the playoffs were not easy. In the semi-final we fought against Peristeri, in the final against Olympiakos, there were also demanding matches”.

For the transfer to Partizan: “First of all, let’s remember that the transfer to Panathinaikos came suddenly after last year’s EuroBasket. After all, I had agreed to go to Italy and not play in the Euroleague. I think Eurobasket, which was successful for me, had a big impact. I’ve had some good offers from good teams now, not just Partizan. Panathinaikos was one of the worst teams in the Euroleague last year, its players did not sign contracts with strong clubs in the summer. I treat it as a sports promotion and I think it is also thanks to Eurobasket”.

On the fact that he won’t be the only Polish player in the Euroleague this season, as Balcerofksi will also be in Panathinaikos: “We talked. I told him how my season in Athens was, how the club is and what I know about him. But that’s it, because everyone makes their own decisions. Alex will play in the Euroleague in a big team and it will be a good experience for him. I’m crossing my fingers (for good luck).”