Ergin Ataman's availability against CSKA and ASVEL remains unclear / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach Ergin Ataman missed Sunday's clash against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, and his availability before EuroLeague's double-week remains unclear.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul / Schedule

Zenit Saint Petersburg Anadolu Efes Istanbul76-67 CSKA Moscow Anadolu Efes IstanbulWed17:00 Anadolu Efes Istanbul LDLC ASVEL VilleurbanneFri17:30

"We still don't know whether he will be on the bench in a couple of games," said assistant coach Yakup Sekizkok, who replaced Ataman on Sunday. "The case is closely monitored, and he might or might not be ready for EuroLeague games."

Ataman was forced to miss the game due to an upper respiratory infection. On Wednesday, Anadolu Efes will face CSKA Moscow, and on Friday, they will host LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Despite the difficult situation, Sekizkok is confident about his abilities to guide the team to victories.

"I'm a basketball coach. I can do anything from player development to head coaching. I don't see any missing parts when the head coaching responsibilities come," Sekizkok said.

With Sekizkok in charge, Anadolu Efes blew out Fenerbahce 91-71. After the game, he expressed his satisfaction about good preparation for the game.

"Fenerbahce is a well-known opponent for us, and we made a detailed preparation," said Sekizkok. "We thought we were going to break them at the end of the third. And we did. We knew that Guduric and Henry were players to stop, but we also knew other athletes, like Sehmus, could give scoring support, so we kept an eye on him as well."

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