Ataman: “Our goals are very high – I’m sure that OAKA will be on fire this year”

He had many interesting things to say Ergin Atamanduring Panathinaikos’ Media Day!

The Turkish coach underlined them high objectives of the “greens”, he spoke about the players who have stood out in his team’s preparation, he referred to Kostas Sloukasbut also in OAKAwhich is constantly waiting “hot”!

In detail what the coach of Panathinaikos said:



For team goals: “We have big goals and expectations for this season. We want to give joy to our audience as it has not been very successful in recent years. This year, however, we created a very good team and certainly our goals are very high and we want to give confidence to our fans. Always the team I coach has high goals, so I will try to do my best”.

On whether he is satisfied with the team’s preparation: “Yes, I am satisfied. The only negative is the injury of Vildoza, which has a negative effect on Kostas Slukas, who is getting tired from consecutive games. However I hope that Luca will compete in the Super Cup. We want to present ourselves with an aggressive character as a team, especially in defense so yes I am satisfied”.

On the style of basketball he wants to present to Panathinaikos this year: “Panathinaikos will play in my style, like Anatolou Efes in the last 5 years in the Euroleague. So we will try to play aggressive defense and support a high tempo on the floor, with a lot of runs and surprises. Of course you will need to adjust our game depending on the opponent. I also want to give freedom to my players, but it is understood that they must stick to the system in attack, play smart, and “run” the team by surprise. That will be one of our keys this season.”.

On the challenge of Panathinaikos going to the Final Four after 12 years of doing everything in Ephesus: “I have the experience to lead the team to the Final Four. I did it with Efes for the last few years. It is important that Panathinaikos finished their presence in the competition in a low position, however we will change everything. I chose the players and I think they are very good players. I am sure that OAKA will be on fire this year and it will be very difficult for all teams to win in here”.

For the changes to the OAKA: “Yes I like it very much. Especially the change of parquet. It is one of the best stadiums in Europe. I have noticed a lot of changes both in the dressing room and in the main area, but I know that the work is not done this season. OAKA is a modern stadium and the fans when they come here will enjoy my team and be happy”.

For the player who has stood out in preparation: “Kyle Guy played a very good tournament and he has left me completely satisfied. The truth is that he is competing for the first time at the Euroleague level, but he gave us a lot in the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” tournament. Also Balcherovski has shown good evidence. He is young and wants to prove things, and Grant is also very good, who can cope at this level in defense and attack.”.

On Sluka and the fact that he now has him on the team: “Yes, I am very happy. All these years that he was at Olympiakos and Fenerbahce we were discussing how to stop his pick n’ roll. Now we’re talking about how to use him as best we can in attack. He is an experienced player, he is the organizer and the key to our team. Last season he went to the Euroleague final and lost in the end. Kostas is a wonderful character and is very serious about his work”.

Regarding the fact that he will face Olympiakos three times in one month: “For sure, it’s good for both teams. For all teams it’s good, that’s the draw. It’s really nice that the Euroleague starts with this game. But each of the three games will be different, the Super Cup is very important”.



For the apotheosis he received from the friends of Panathinaikos: “I like our fans, we get energy from them and from the day I arrived in Athens they respect me. Not only the fans of Panathinaikos, even Olympiakos. This is very important for me as a coach, as I want to fulfill their dreams”.