Ataman reveals his pick for Coach of the Year, has a suggestion for EuroLeague / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman noted that even though he's won the COTY award in the past, he doesn't remember it because he doesn't think it's important. The Turkish tactician also named the colleague that he voted for this season and made a suggestion to the EuroLeague.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Ergin Ataman does not have in mind the EuroLeague Coach of the Year award, which went to Real Madrid's Chus Mateo.

3-pointers this season

39%9,2Points made:9,2Accuracy:38,7%Place in standings:10Record max:15Record min:2Most made 3FGs:Kendrick NunnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with NOVASPORTS, the Turkish coach admitted that he doesn't understand the voting criteria for the COTY award, and stressed that he voted for his good friend Tomislav Mijatovic.

The play-caller ofPanathinaikos AKTOR Athensnoted that he has won the accolade in the past (2021), but doesn't remember it because he doesn't think it's important.

"Believe me, for me, the only thing that is important is to win the title, because in the end everyone will be happy if that happens," Ataman said, adding:

"I was coach of the year and I don't remember why they gave me the award. I don't remember that, but I do remember the back-to-back titles with Efes."

Subsequently, the Turkish technician made a proposal to the EuroLeague for the award, presenting his arguments:

"The only suggestion I want to make to the Euroleague, that will be for the future, is to do something different for the coaches. We as coaches choose a friend of ours for Coach of the Year.

Honestly, I chose my best friendTomislav Mijatovicof Efes, so I think a lot of people did that, choosing their best friends," Ataman revealed.

In a recent interview, Ataman had praise for his former assistant in Efes, who took over the team after Erdem Can was sacked this year.

"Tomislav did a great job taking charge during a difficult period [for Efes]. He took the team to Play-In in a season that was supposed to be over for Efes," Ataman stated.

"He beat an important team like Fenerbahce in a row. I think he did a very important job. But unfortunately, they were eliminated by Virtus; it was a big surprise for me," the Turkish coach admitted. "But this is a sport; sometimes it doesn't work out. I think Tomislav will be very successful, as he has the championship spirit."

"I respect Chus [Mateo], congratulations to him and thank all the people who liked the work I did this year, where I took Panathinaikos from 17th place to second place in the regular season and the Final Four," Ataman concluded.

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