Ataman “photographed” how he will be on Turkey’s bench in the middle of… Euroleague

His intention to be present at her counter national Turkey BOTH in the two November matches for the EuroBasket 202 qualifiers5, even though there is no break for the Euroleague, he announced Ergin Ataman in an interview with Meridian Sport.

Turkey faces Hungary on November 22, Friday, in Istanbul, while the day before Panathinaikos plays with Zalgiris in Kaunas. “At this point, I can say that I will be present in the national team. In both games“, characteristically said the Turkish coach, who will either have to miss the match against Zalgiris, or make a quick trip from Kaunas to the City in order to catch the match on Friday and the following Monday (25/11), again with Hungary but away from home.

He spoke in detail about:

– the national team of Turkey: “Our goal is a medal in Eurobasket. Of course we’ll have to prove it first. I think we have a great generation of players, I hope they are all available. I can’t understand why there is a break in the Euroleague in February and not in November for the windows. It’s weird, we’ve been talking about this for five years. How is it possible that the National team plays and at the same time the best players have games with their teams? Tell me what other sport has this situation. We want to make football popular and the football world is laughing at this situation. National teams are important in all countries, but the Euroleague is also important. An acceptable solution must be found. At this point, I can say that I will be present in the national team. In both games.”

– the gesture he made for Fenerbahce and the reaction of the team that does not want to send its players to the national team while he is coach: “It doesn’t concern me, I’m a federal coach. My bosses are the federation and the government of Turkey. I continue to do my job and I believe that all players want to play for the national team. It is important to play for the national team. The rest is not my responsibility. I will be present and I hope all the players selected will be present in the windows and then in the final phase.”