Ergin Ataman spoke at the press conference after Panathinaikos’ game against Real Madrid in the EuroLeague Final.
The Turkish coach fulfilled his promise to bring the seventh EuroLeague title to Athens after this Final Four, and he succeeded in that endeavor. His team overcame a 14-point deficit and triumphed by 95:80.
“An unbelievable feeling. I think tonight and this season, we have achieved something truly impressive in the history of European basketball. After many years without a Final Four and finals, after the previous season where the club finished 17th on the table, we have won the title. We didn’t start the game well, we were behind, everyone, including you, thought we would lose.
First timeout, second timeout, the talk in the locker room – every time, we talked about the aggressiveness in defense that we needed to improve. Then we managed to do it and control the game. Real Madrid was the best team this season, but as always in EuroLeague history, the team finishing first in the regular season doesn’t win the title,” Ergin Ataman said in the opening part of his address and continued:
“I said that Kostas Sloukas would be the MVP when I saw that he wasn’t included in the first or second EuroLeague team. I told you!”
The beginning of a new dynasty?
“Of course, we believe in that. From the first day we met at the airport, we talked about how much we respect each other. Kostas Sloukas has a contract for two more seasons, and I have one more. I can’t guarantee what will happen after that (laughter).
When Dimitris Giannakopoulos and I were building the team, the goal was the Final Four. I believed it could happen, and when you reach the Final Four, only two games separate you from the title.”
Should the Coach of the Year award be given after the Final Four?
“Everyone keeps asking me that question (laughter). In the regular season, Chus Mateo deserved to be Coach of the Year. Real Madrid has an incredible team, but it’s extremely important to manage such a group of players successfully. I’m happy I didn’t get the award, just because the Coach of the Year didn’t win the title. No one will remember when I won the Coach of the Year award, but they will remember the day I won the EuroLeague in 2021, 2022, and 2024.”
A message to Galatasaray football club
“We’ve had one of the best seasons in EuroLeague history. Galatasaray, as a football team, bringing home the title, has brought me a lot of happiness. They are champions, and I congratulate them on that.”
Memories of his father
“During the live television broadcast, I mentioned how difficult it was for me because my father wasn’t beside the court. He had watched every previous final live. Kostas Sloukas sent me a message right after his death, promising to win the trophy in honor of my father. In every locker room meeting, we talked about reaching the Final Four. Kostas Sloukas said in front of the entire locker room that we would make it to the Final Four.
Game by game, we succeeded, the unity, dedication, and principles of this team wanted to win the EuroLeague. As captain, he instilled confidence in everyone. We respect each other, and I want to repeat once again. As a Turkish coach, winning this title is incredible. Everyone supported me, and I’m glad it ended this way.”
Intense schedule and the third EuroLeague trophy
“When you’re in a new team, it suits you to play more games because then players understand each other better and establish connections faster. We played 41 games this season, and we deserved everything we got. We had a new team, and every day we progressed. Everyone asked me how to make a new team fully successful? It’s a new team for a month, two as well, but after that, it’s not.
I was very nervous and emotional during the first title against Barcelona, but after that, it’s different. Yesterday, I was very relaxed, I had confidence. I told my players before the game not to see this as a final and not to follow the result. You should never look at the scores, just focus on playing the game and giving your best. Tonight, we managed to control the situation, we didn’t panic. It was the same in Belgrade, and my last two titles came against Real Madrid.”
The first practice
“Listen, if you take over a team that was 17th, change all the players, you have to give them a big goal. In the first practice, I told them that I came to accept a big challenge but that I wanted to add another floor to the six-story OAKA arena. Six titles became seven. I believe in myself and want to thank all the fans who believed from day one and showed me great respect.
This was very important, even when I lost my first official game against Olympiacos by 25 points. Everyone met me on the street and said the same thing. That it was just the first game and not to worry.
It’s nice to notice that next season, our goal will be not to finish first in the regular season. I don’t know why these things happen. After the game, Krunoslav Simon and Vasilije Micic were there to congratulate me on the title. Together we won two titles with Anadolu Efes. We would have done it a third time if it hadn’t been for the corona season. Giannis Antetokounmpo told me I’m the best coach in the world. When the MVP of the NBA says that, it’s a huge compliment,” Ergin Ataman said.