Elijah Bryant: “Panathinaikos plays like Ataman’s Ephesus – They can have a good season”

One of the teams that enter the new season very refreshed is Anatolou Efes.

The Turkish club that won the Euroleague in 2021 and 2022 entered a new era, since she decided to move on without him Ergin Atamanwhile he also saw the great Vasilij Micic to leave for the NBA.

One of the players who remained in Efes is Elijah Bryant. The American guard/forward, who belongs to the category of those who have won both the Euroleague and the NBA, spoke to BasketNews about the new season that is starting, while he also commented on Panathinaikos of Ataman.

In detail, what he said exclusively to BasketNews:

To adapt to the post-Ataman and Micic era: “Losing a player like Micic, who we relied on a lot, definitely requires an adjustment. But we managed to implement new systems, offensive and defensive strategies. Our new coach will need time to understand the how and what. But such is life. He wants us to be mentally focused and bring our best every day. We have to make shots but also communicate on the pitch.”

On the freedom offered by Chan in relation to Ataman: “Coach Ataman gives his players a lot of freedom, that’s his style. But the freedom is provided within the attacking system, which I think is good for our team. Erdem Can also understands that the players play the game, not the coach. So it lets them run certain plays. He has extensive experience as an assistant and coach in Europe and the NBA. So, he knows what he’s doing.”

On whether Ataman can be equally successful at Panathinaikos: “If his players are successful and play well, they can have a good year.”

On the similarities of Panathinaikos with Ataman’s Ephesus: “The same plays, the same everything. It is the same system with a lot of freedom for its players to make their own decisions. The main thing is to get the shots in.”