Ataman: “Panathinaikos is back – We have to take over from Olympiakos”

An interview on the Novasports channels and on the show “Playmakers” was granted by Ergin Ataman, who spoke about the new Panathinaikos that is being built and not only that.

The Turkish coach also referred to the transfer support, stressing that the “greens” will not stop looking (mainly in the NBA market), while for Olympiakos he added that he has unlimited respect, but the “clover” must take the scepters from them in the Greek basketball.

At the same time, he stood for the Greek National Team and its presence in the World Cup.

In detail what he said:

“Panathinaikos will be ready and I’m sure it will be a season full of emotions for everyone in the Euroleague.”

Which team stands out as the favorite in Mundobasket 2023: “This World Cup has many surprises. The United States and Canada are the favorites. We should not write off teams like Serbia, who are a tough team, as is Spain, the previous champions. Germany is a very dangerous country. But certainly the USA and Canada are the favorites.”

For Greece-New Zealand: “It’s a big game. Greece is the favorite. However, the games with Montenegro and Lithuania in the next phase will be very difficult, as Greece will need to make 2/2 against these teams.”

Regarding the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Even if there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo, there are players with great experience at the top level, such as Olympiakos players who have logged many kilometers, Walkap, Papanikolaou, Larentzakis and also former Panathinaikos players, such as Papagiannis and Papapetrou who now he is with us. There will be a battle with Lithuania and Montenegro in the next phase.”

For Panathinaikos in the new year: “The demands are high, both for the players and for me. I have been in Greece for a few days and wherever I am, whether in a shop, on the street, or on the beaches, those who see me are excited. We are one of the favorites for the Final Four. We have to take over from Olympiakos in Greece. We will be ready when we need to be.”

When will Panathinaikos be ready: “Now everyone believes in Panathinaikos. Everyone knows by now that Olympiacos is not alone in Greece. My job is to have the team ready even if I only have two weeks after the internationals return from Mundobasket.”

For those who want to send a first message to Olympiakos: “Great respect for Olympiakos, Bartzokas, everyone. I know there’s a lot of rivalry and what’s happened in the last three years. Life will not be easy for them anymore, Panathinaikos is back.”

If he will maintain the same style of play that he had in Ephesus: “Yes definitely. I choose the players – and I want to thank the president of Panathinaikos, Mr. Giannakopoulos who made my wishes come true – who fit my philosophy. We hope not to have any injuries and to impose the pace we had in Efes and dominate European basketball.”



As for whether there will be any more additions: “The team is complete, I trust all the athletes that are on the roster. Of course we will have our antennas open, especially in the NBA market. We have arranged strong friendly and in case we see a shortage, then I will not hesitate to ask for another transfer”.

What was the favorite comment he heard from Panathinaikos friends: “Everyone says to me “coach bring us back the championship” and I prove that I am serious, I came to do a job. The same goes for the moves we made together with Dimitris Giannakopoulos. We are building a strong team. All Greeks will be very happy that we will start the season with Olympiakos and everyone lives with anxiety for the derby”.

On the explosiveness that distinguishes both him and Bartzokas: “Of course we want to win. There will be great rivalry on the court. But outside you may see us in some restaurant between Piraeus and Athens. In recent years it has dominated, but now something has changed. I came to defeat him.”