Panathinaikos captain Kostas Sloukas spoke in an extensive interview with the Greek outlet Gazzetta about his recovery process from a severe injury, Zeljko Obradovic‘s impact on the entire organization of the Athenian giant, the new roster of the “Greens,” and the potential end of his decorated career at the conclusion of this competitive season.
The Athenian titan enters a new era, with the experienced 36-year-old point guard remaining one of the key figures and leaders in the locker room.
Recovery nearing completion
Sloukas underwent surgery last April, forcing him to miss the EuroLeague postseason and the championship battle in the Greek Basketball League. Following a premature return attempt, further complications arose over the summer:
“I am in good shape, and I believe that in 15 to 20 days, I will return to full practice sessions with the team. The truth is that after the operation I felt good and trained well, but in the game against PAOK, the plan was for me to play less than ten minutes. Due to circumstances on the court, I played around 30 minutes, including overtime. My leg couldn’t handle that effort the next day it swelled up and reacted negatively, which is why I couldn’t help the team and had to miss practically the entire summer,” Sloukas explained.
Obradovic’s return
The return of Zeljko Obradovic to the Panathinaikos bench carries both personal and professional significance for Sloukas, given their exceptionally successful partnership during their time at Fenerbahce:
“His arrival awakened beautiful memories. When I transferred to Fenerbahçe, I was 25 years old and a role player, and with his help and guidance, I left there as a team leader. I have unlimited respect for his philosophy and way of thinking both on and off the court. Obradović brought a completely fresh energy to the operations of the entire organization, not just on the floor, but also in relationships with the players and the coaching staff.”
A brand-new roster and the key word: Respect
Following a season without winning trophies at the desired level, Panathinaikos thoroughly overhauled its squad, bringing in reinforcements tailored to the specifications of Europe’s most decorated head coach:
“After an unsuccessful year at big clubs like Panathinaikos, it is customary for the entire team to change and for even higher quality players to arrive. What particularly impressed me about all the guys who arrived is that they deeply respect the name Panathinaikos. They are fully aware of where they have come and what awaits them working with coach Obradovic. Everyone is ready to subordinate their ego for the collective. The key word is respect. Respect for someone else’s talent and uniqueness, so that we can all work together for the benefit of the team.”
“I will retire at the peak”
The veteran playmaker turns 37 in January, naturally raising the question of how much longer he intends to perform at the highest EuroLeague level:
“I want to see how things unfold this season. I don’t want to be on the team just to sit on the bench and talk. I want to live up to the expectations and demands placed on me as a captain and as the person I have been all these years. The coach has high expectations of me, as do the club, the fans, and my teammates. If I cannot answer those demands in the right way, this will be my last season. I will see how my body reacts, but in general, I don’t think I will prolong my career for long. I will retire while I am at the peak level. I have always said that,” Sloukas concluded.
