Ataman: “Holmes will not need surgery – If he is fine, our transfer will be Lesor”

THE Ergin Ataman appeared satisfied at the press conference after Panathinaikos AKTOR’s important win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, highlighting his team’s improvement in the second half and the decisive contribution of players such as Nan, Yurtseven and Osman.

At the same time, the Turkish coach referred to his serious injury Rhyshon Holmesbut also to the encouraging news about his imminent return Matias Lessor in the training sessions.

In detail what he said at the press conference:

“Initially we had a lot of chances to finish the game, but our defense was not tough and in attack we missed easy shots with Nan and Huacho. The second half was completely different. We started to play aggressively on the ball, we controlled the rebounds with Yurceven, with the points from the surprises we had the chance to finish the match. When you play at home and gain confidence, you start and play better in attack. Nan found his points, Yurtseven got offensive rebounds. Osman played brilliantly. Everyone offered, Slukas, Shorts. We won an important victory. In the last period we put Osman in the “4”, played with four guards and had more space in the attack. We played good basketball and it’s an important victory for us.”

On Yurtseven’s double-double and Holmes’ injury: “Yurtseven played his best match against Panathinaikos. His offensive rebounds were important, they gave us extra possessions. He took terrific passes from Sluka and Shorts and capitalized on them. Defensively he made some mistakes, in the second he improved. He played great, I hope he keeps it up.

Holmes’ condition is serious. Doctors said he will definitely be out for a month. The good thing is that there is no problem with the cross. He won’t need surgery. With treatment we hope he will return. He will definitely be out for a month. Every two days we play. We’ll think about what to do, but nothing this week.I was told that at the beginning of next week Lessor will start training with the team. If he’s good, he’ll be our new signing.”