Ataman: “To raise the tempo and play well in defense and attack – Messina is one of the best in the Euroleague”

The elements that will help Panathinaikos AKTOR to prevail on Wednesday night (31/1), against Armani at OAKA for its 24th matchday Euroleague.

The Turkish coach spoke about the difficulties his team may face on the court, stressing that the return of Napier and McGruder, as well as the presence of Mirotic and Shields, who are having a good season, increase the degree of difficulty of the match. Among others, Ergin Ataman referred to Vildosa-Balcerovskiwhile he also underlined the “keys” that will decide the match.

His statements in detail:

For the Armani Milano game: “It is a very difficult match. Armani has a very good roster right now, especially after the return of important players who were injured, such as Mirotic and Shields, who are having a good season. Armani now has two new players who did not participate in the First Round match, Shabazz Napier and McGruder.

I think Slukas will not play. Luca Vildosa trained today. He’s not ready, but he’ll try. We have the same problems as last week. It is a must game for us and we want the extra energy of our audience to continue winning at home.”

For the “keys” against the Italian team: “Of course it will be our aggression and our defense, especially against Napier and Shields. Mirotic after 3-4 months is back in the Euroleague, but I saw that he was excellent in the championship match at the weekend. There are many experienced players at Armani, such as Meli, Voigtman and Hall. They have one of the best rosters in the Euroleague. We have to play good defense and find their weaknesses in attack. In controlled basketball, which Milan plays, they know well how to operate at 5 vs. 5. We will have to increase the tempo to get the victory.”