Ataman: “We are looking for a trio and a man to help Sluka”

Ergin Ataman confirmed after the victory over Bascona that Panathinaikos he is looking at the market to strengthen, stressing that the goal is a trio and an operator to complement him Kostas Sloukas.

Details of what he said at the press conference

“First of all, before commenting on the game, I want to say that it is a great victory for both me and my team for the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s independence, which is October 28. I am very proud to be a member of this community and I want to wish peace for Turkey and for the whole world. That’s the reality, Baskonia had a lot of problems, they didn’t have 2-3 good players, but they had Marinkovic and Howard and Costello on a good day and we tried to limit them. When we did that and put pressure on them, we managed to get a lead. Lessor and Mitoglou played an important role in the racket, but also Grant and Guy, who gave us help».

For Mitoglou: “All our problems started when Mitoglou and Papapetrou were injured. Before that we were preparing our chemistry, we suffered with Mitoglou out, we had the loss in the Super Cup against Olympiakos. Papapetrou is very important to the chemistry of the team and he played just one match in the EuroLeague. Mitoglou played well with Maccabi and the same today, he is a very experienced player, he has potential. Whoever is better will play».

Regarding the many additions made by Panathinaikos:It is true that we are building a new team. There is one truth. Only Slukas has played in a Final Four. You have to understand how difficult this level is. It’s not like playing 6-7 minutes in the NBA or the EuroCup. This is the biggest reality of the club. Panathinaikos was in the last places last year, the market did not give us many players with Final Four experience.

In the locker room I congratulated them, I reminded them that the victory is important but we will see our reality against Olympiakos. They are a strong team and tough, they came and beat us in front of 20,000 people. We will have to deal with a “hot” atmosphere at SEF as well. If we are a good team and can fight why not, but we have to respond in the same way that Olympiacos plays».

On the use of Huacho in “3” and the possibility of further additions: “Huacho must understand his role in “4”. Unfortunately Papapetrou and his operation were a surprise for us. Last year he played all the matches and played in the World Cup. He decided to have the operation. I am annoyed with this situation. We need two players, we are looking for the market, we need a “3” and another operator to help Sluka. Maybe we only needed one, but after the Papapetros situation we want two. I can’t play with Huacho in “3”, he needs to understand his role first. The President wants to help us, he agrees and we are looking, it is not easy».