Ergin Ataman on Larkin getting snubbed: 'He was the MVP of the season' / News - Basketnews.com

Ataman was surprised not to see Larkin on any of the two All-EuroLeague teams and declared him to be the league MVP.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

With the EuroLeague announcing its All-EuroLeague teams, one of the biggest things that got the most attention was Anadolu Efes Istanbul star guard Shane Larkin not getting selected into either of the two fives.

Shane Larkin

MIN:31.65PTS:16.77 (57.72%)REB:2.83As:5.06ST:1.14BL:0.06TO:1.94GM:35ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Following the Greek League win against Aris on Monday, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman, who used to coach Larkin in Efes, weighed in on the matter.

"I would like to congratulate my two players, Kendrick Nunn and Mathias Lessort, for being selected into the starting five of the season in the EuroLeague. Congratulations to both of them. But I would also like to say that I'm very surprised to see the best player this season so far, Shane Larkin, [not getting selected]," he said in the post-game press conference.

"I want him as the MVP of the season. He wasn't on the first or second team. It's a very strange situation. But anyway, congratulations to these two players and congratulations to my ex-player Shane Larkin even though he's not in any of the selections. For me, he was the MVP of the season," Ataman declared.

Nunn did not finish the game as he had to exit the court in the third quarter with an injury. Ataman was certain it was nothing serious. "It's a small injury, he will be ready for the playoff games," the coach said.

Besides Nunn and Lessort, Kostas Sloukas was selected to the All-EuroLeague Second Team, tying Real Madrid for the most players in the selection with three.

"I have to mention Sloukas, he was on the second team. I know Sloukas - he's not happy to be on the second team. He will take revenge to be the Final Four MVP." Ataman said about his star guard.

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