Ataman: “In the second half we played normal defense – Greece should invest more in basketball”

THE Panathinaikos AKTOR struggled for three quarters against the fighting PAOK, but was “stormy” in the fourth and finally got the victory with a score 89-73 in “Palataki” for the 21st matchday of the Stoiximan Basket League.

After the match, the coach of the “greens”, Ergin Atamanreferred in the press conference to his team’s improved defense in the second half, stood at heavy schedule of Euroleague teams, while at the same time he called on the state to invest more in the area of ​​basketball in our country.

Ergin Ataman’s statements in detail:



About the game: “We were soft in defense at the beginning and we gave PAOK confidence. Especially on offense they made big shots and three pointers that got us in trouble. In the second half we started playing normal defense at our level, pressing the ball. Only with Grigonis we found solutions and with Sluka we had a better organization and in the end Nan found his points and we got the victory”.

Regarding the devil’s week, even if Panathinaikos had that in mind: “It is normal for Euroleague teams to have a problem at the beginning in such games. But, in the end the team with the most solutions wins. Mentally we always think about the game we are playing and not the next one, but the motivation of the Euroleague is always great.”

For the problem with many games across Europe: “It is a situation that we have been discussing for ten years, it is a global issue. There are leagues with more teams and matches. If you look at the calendar there are many games. I believe that the two Greek teams will be in the playoffs and their schedule will be burdened even more. That leaves two months of rest for the players. There is an effort to improve, there are discussions and the best possible realistic plan must be found.”

On his memories of PAOK: “Congratulations to PAOK and its organization for the award ceremony of the Korats team. It is very important to remember your history, there is great respect for what they have achieved. I remember they were one of the greatest teams in the Euroleague.”

For Greek basketball: “I hope the state makes bigger and more investments in basketball and in the courts, which will be very important for the future of Greek basketball. I have seen in other countries like Spain, Italy, Lithuania and other countries much better facilities. People love basketball, I see it on the street and Greece should invest more in the sport.”