Ergin Ataman, as the coach of the Turkish national team, spoke about the resignations of some players with a harsh message.
Turkey has obligations in the qualification for the Olympic Games, and the fact that neither Scottie Wilbekin nor Shane Larkin will play seems to have angered the head coach of the Turkish national team even more.
The first opponent of Turkey in the pre-qualification tournament for the Olympic Games will be Iceland on August 12. The team faced many injuries and unplanned dismissals, which Ergin Ataman talked about. He highly appreciates the new generation of players and says they are very good, but he has certain complaints.
“Especially our players who play in the NBA sometimes prefer to rest instead of being in the national team. They say that they are tired. We have nothing to do about it, it’s only a matter of conscience and morality. We follow them throughout the season, we take care of them in the best way when they come to the national team.
Spain won the EuroBasket last year with Lorenzo Brown. Our most important rival in the Olympic Qualifications, Croatia, uses Jaleen Smith in the playmaker position.
There’s nothing we can do, we can’t force anyone and tell them ‘Come, play for the national team’. Five weeks ago, we announced the preliminary roster and informed all clubs about that. We also tried to reach the players, but if the player does not pick up the phone, there’s nothing you can do. In this case, you notify their club and you wait.”
Panathinaikos
Ergin Ataman will lead Panathinaikos from the bench next season and he briefly referred to the current transfer window. The team from Athens was extremely active and brought several players.
“Dimitris Giannakopoulos loves transfers. He understands basketball and everything about basketball very well. His family is an extremely important part of the history of Panathinaikos” – said the impulsive head coach.