Ataman on possible moves: 'We're in contract talks with very surprising names' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Imago-Images - Scanpix Credit Imago-Images - Scanpix

The back-to-back EuroLeague champion Ergin Ataman gave the TV interview to TRT Spor and touched on various topics.

Points this season

48%81,0Points made:81,0Accuracy:47,8%Place in standings:3Record max:109Record min:58Best scorer:Vasilije MicicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Not only he commented on Vasilije Micic's future in Anadolu Efes Istanbul but also spoke about the budget, upcoming EuroBasket, EuroLeague final, and more.

According to Anadolu Efes' bench boss, the team had a budget of around 28 million euros this season.

"We are in contract talks with very surprising and interesting names. Maybe in a couple of days, we will make some decisions," Ataman spoke regarding the possible transfers.

"Most teams in Europe are chasing Will Clyburn, but we want him to be with us," he added.

The 56-year-old Turkish specialist also stated that the most powerful EuroLeague team he coached was Anadolu Efes in the 2019-20 season.

However, that campaign was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and it was canceled later.

"I can say our team in the 2019-20 season [is the best team], not the championship team, in terms of my own squads. We won 24 of the 28 games before that season was canceled, breaking a record. In my opinion, it was the best team among the teams I coached."

As stated by Ataman, he has only one goal with the Turkish national team in the EuroBasket 2022. And it's to win the trophy.

"Our goal in the EuroBasket will not be the medals but the title itself," the two-time EuroLeague champ declared.

Last but not least, the head coach of Anadolu Efes discussed the dying seconds in the 2022 EuroLeague final and the timeouts situation.

"Our opponents panicked and called a timeout, so there was no need for us to take one. We spare these timeouts for the next season's final," Ataman talked over the three-peat scenario early.

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