Ergin Ataman spoke at the press conference after Panathinaikos’ win against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the second game of the EuroLeague quarterfinals.
Ataman tried to even the series at 1-1 in the quarterfinal playoff. He succeeded, with a career-high performance from Kostas Sloukas, who shone alongside Ioannis Papapetrou.
“We didn’t start well, they were excellent in offense. We weren’t aggressive enough on Lorenzo Brown. In the second quarter, our defense was top-notch. Maybe Kostas Sloukas played one of his best offensive games, but he also put pressure on Brown, and Ioannis Papapetrou did a great job on Bonzie Colson. Then we took control.
We panicked at the beginning. Besides some parts of the game when Sloukas was out, we had some shameful turnovers and allowed them to come back. Later, he came back, and everything was easier. We showed quality and the difference between the two teams when everything is on point,” Ataman said.
Kostas Sloukas
“Before this game, I’ve worked with many stars, and Sloukas was also one before he came here. Everyone respects him, and his quality was never in question. He’s the kind of leader I like, and he showed it all tonight, which is crucial for the next games. It’s not easy to play in the Final Four. You need players with extraordinary mentality.”
About the future
About the EuroLeague statement
“Have you seen the statement from some organization against the coach? You follow many sports. I am a coach, I am a human being. If someone makes a mistake, it’s my job to inform people about the mistakes. I am direct, sometimes even publicly against my players. Sometimes against my club, sometimes against myself, all publicly. This job is public. When I say that the referees didn’t do something well, I explain why. And that’s what I did.
I know there is a fine for that, and I’m ready to pay the fine. It’s strange for such an organization, which I always support, to issue a statement against me damaging the reputation of the EuroLeague. Okay, there is a fine, why the statement, why provoke people against me? Someone from Maccabi Tel Aviv, without accreditation, told me that we will see what they will do to me in Israel. I am Ergin Ataman, coach of Panathinaikos and coach of Turkey, a Turkish citizen. Why a statement against me? Okay, the club issued a statement against the EuroLeague, let them do the same to them. Why me? I criticized the referees, sometimes even Greek referees.”
About Russia and Ataturk
“I haven’t said anything negative about the referees, nor have I attacked them for what some do. I didn’t even say anything to them during the game. Watching the first game, I saw a lot of mistakes, which I shared with those who found it interesting.
As for those who provoke me, I am not a political person, I respect Maccabi Tel Aviv, I am an athlete, but what Ataturk said, I also say. I am for peace. Let’s also talk about Russia. I hope to see Russian teams in the EuroLeague next year because athletes in Russia have nothing to do with war, just like Maccabi Tel Aviv. I have nothing against them,” Ergin Ataman concluded.
The third game between Panathinaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv will be played on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
KOSTASSSS SLOUKKAAAS! 🔥
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) April 25, 2024
He scored 13 points in the second quarter. #paobc #EuroLeague pic.twitter.com/7olLUcTTfv