Ergin Ataman sends message to Europe: 'These fists are for the Final Four' / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman: "We will be a candidate for the EuroLeague title. Let's go!"

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are back to the EuroLeague Final Four after a 12-year break. PAO took down Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Game 5 and won the series 3-2.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Kendrick Nunn Points 26 Accuracy 8-17 Rebounds 5 Assists 4

It is a huge turnaround for the Greek powerhouse since they finished 17th in the last EuroLeague season. The man behind this success is head coach Ergin Ataman.

After the decisive Game 5, Ataman was quick to acknowledge the efforts of his players.

"First of all, congratulations to Maccabi. Great respect. They played really hard in this series, but we were successful and kept this series in this incredible atmosphere," Ataman told EuroLeague TV post-game. "We had an amazing [regular] season; we have played great all season long, and we deserved this. We finished second in the regular season. We lost Game 1, but we never lost our confidence. We always believed in ourselves and these players."

He then turned to the camera, raising his fists in a symbolic gesture.

"Now, I want to show these fists for all our fans, for all Turkish people who are supporting me, and for all of Europe that these fists are for the Final Four, but we will be a candidate for the EuroLeague title. Let's go!"

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