Ataman explores worst-case scenario for Efes, names the player he'd like to coach / News - Basketnews.com
In an interview with Greek EuroLeague broadcaster NOVASPORTS, Ergin Ataman referred to Olympiacos and Efes' matchups, whilst explaining his gestures in Barcelona and why he'll refrain from such expressions of self-confidence and motivation in the future.
Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - ScanpixIn an interview with Greek show "Playmakers" and NOVASPORTS' reporter Dora Panteli, Ergin Atamanhad some interesting things to say.
Player of the Game EFF 21 Aleksandr Vezenkov Points 23 Accuracy 9-16 Rebounds 3 Assists 3
The Turkish coach ofAnadolu Efes Istanbulconceded that Olympiacos Piraeus are the best team in Europe right now, explained why he's decided to be more low-key this season in terms of his reactions, and also named the EuroLeague player he'd like to have on his team.
The interview took place before Efes faced off with Olympiacos on Friday night, when the Greek side captured their 16th win of the season in 23 games, in a result that kept them on the top of the standings. In addition, Giorgos Bartzokas' squad has the league's best offense, distributes the ball with precision, and has made its fans pack the stands at the Peace and Friensdhip Stadium.
It has also drawn more than favorable comments from opponent coaches like Dimitris Itoudis and Sarunas Jasikevicius. Well, now you can add Ergin Ataman to the list.
"For sure, Olympiacos are the best team in EuroLeague so far," the 57-year-old tactician concurred.
"Even last year, they made a great season, but we were lucky to beat them in the semi-final at the last second on [Vasilije] Micic's 3-point shot," he added before elabotating on why the Reds have had success.
"Coach Bartzokas did a great job. They're very consistent, they start with the same lineup, they play always with the same kind of basketball. They make less turnovers and are really aggressive on defense."
However, Ataman thinks that Efes are Olympiacos' nemesis. That's particularly true just by looking at the results of the latest clashes between the two rivals. The Turkish powerhouse presented an 8-1 edge in the last nine contests held in Piraeus, Istanbul and Belgrade. If it hadn't been for Kostas Sloukas' last-second 3-point shot last year, the count would have shown 9-0 for Efes.
Anadolu Efes Istanbul / Schedule
Anadolu Efes Istanbul Zalgiris Kaunas80-70 Olympiacos Piraeus Anadolu Efes Istanbul76-70 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Real MadridThu17:30"There's one reality. Every game we've played against Olympiacos has been good," Ataman noted.
"So, our system isn't easy for Olympiacos. I believe that we have a good chance to win the game. Olympiacos are in good shape and we're not in perfect shape. Now it's time to play," he said.
On Friday night, Efes succumbed to the Reds 70-76, while a couple of days earlier, Ataman had promised to stay away from his signature gesture indicating an imminent three-peat.
"Everyone's saying that Efes are one the favorites for the title and the three-peat. But I tell my players, 'If we don't make the playoffs, how can we win?'" he wondered.
In fact, Efes currently stand at 11-12, having lost touch with the teams forming the upper cluster in the standings. Still, they're just five wins away from leaders Olympiacos and Real Madrid.
Asked to do aflashback on Belgrade's Final Four and the way Efes performed while winning their second straight title, Ataman recalled that his team came to Belgrade with a lot of confidence.
"We didn't play very well at the Final Four, but we never thought we'd lose a game," he argued. "Even against Olympiacos where we didn't start well, but in the last quarter, we controlled the game. It was similar against Real Madrid in the final.
It's good to look back sometimes. When I check the standings now that we're out of the playoff spots, looking back is good."
Referring to what his wish for the last play in the Final Four semi-final game was, Ataman clarified he didn't intend Micic to be the one taking the shot.
"I told him to attack in 1-4 pick-and-pop against [Sasha] Vezenkov. Not attack their 5, but Vezenkov," he specified.
"I don't like to tell my players what they must do. They must read the defense. If they feel like shooting, that's what they should do. Vasa has tried to make the same shot in many possessions [this season] and he's missed it,"Ataman laughingly pointed out.
"But I can't tell him anything because he made the most important shot. Maybe he's waiting for the right moment," he further added.
Ironically, on Friday night, Ataman devoted the last part of his postgame presser to calling out Micic and Will Clyburn for what he perceived as a poor contribution from their side.
"Everyone's talking about us having very good players, star players, but we need them to play in this kind of games- not in Turkish league games against weak teams. I'm talking about Will Clyburn and Vasilije Micic. We need these guys to give us score in this game," Ataman pointed out after Efes lost to Olympiacos.
Three weeks ago, Atamanwas met with boosupon his return to Palau Blaugrana. Around 10 minutes before the game vs. FC Barcelona, fans whistled the Anadolu Efes head coach as soon as he appeared on the court.
As he made his way to the bench, Ataman held up two fingers, reminding the Catalan fans that he returned as a two-time champion. He did this intentionally and was smiling.
When the game was over, and Efes had downed the Catalans once again, Ataman celebrated the win with his raised fists and his fingers forming the number 3.
However, the experienced tactician has recently made clear that fans aren't likely to see him raise his fists or indicate that a third EuroLeague trophy is on the way for Efes. Ataman prefers to remain low-key instead.
"Because of our position in the standings, we cannot think of the third straight EuroLeague," he argued last Wednesday. "From now on, I won't make a "3" with my fingers until we get the playoff ticket," he pledged.
"I like to give some extra motivation to my team, but this year is different from the previous two. Last year, we didn't start well and everybody lost their confidence. When I was ejected at Barcelona, I thought I had to show something to my players, the organization, the referees and everybody that I would never give up," Ataman explained.
"This year is different. We started the season and everybody was talking about us making the three-peat. There's something wrong because in the last games that we lost, we arrived to the last three minutes being up by 4-5 points, and ended up losing because of a turnover or in overtime.
Now, I told everyone on the club that we won't focus on the three-peat, but on coming back to the playoffs. Then, we'll start thinking about the title again."
And what if Efes don't make the cut for the playoffs and fail to live up to expectations? Ataman says that's a possibility, but it's not entirely up to him to succeed again.
"In the last 4 years, we've been at the top of the EuroLeague. In my contract, I haven't signed that I'm going to win the EuroLeague every year," he commented.
The experienced tactician cited God, the ball and luck as potential game-changers.
"We've had big success over the last 4 years. I'll do my best this year as well. But we'll see. If we're not successful, I don't know. Maybe they'll fire me and I'll come to Athens to coach," he joked.
Finally, Ataman had to pick which EuroLeague player he'd like to add to Efes' roster if he had the chance. His answer was quite obvious.
"It's a very difficult question," he replied before coming up with a name that's been mentioned many times this season.
"Since we're in Greece right now and we're playing against Olympiacos tomorrow, give me Vezenkov," he concluded.
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