Ataman talks his relationship with Giannakopoulos: 'We are the same' / News - Basketnews.com

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman talked about the friendly relations and the similarities he has with Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the club's head coach.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

After years of underwhelming rosters and projects, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has partially reclaimed its former glory by guaranteeing to finish the regular season in the 2nd place thanks to coach Ergin Ataman and team owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens / Schedule

FC Bayern Munich Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens75-82 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens ALBA Berlin84-75

Even though the team was being built from the ground up with a completely new roster and a new head coach, and suspicions existed about the compatibility of Ataman and Giannakopoulos, two strong characters, this season has been a resounding success so far.

In the immediate post-game interview after an 84-75 win over ALBA Berlin, which was the last game of the regular season for both teams, Ataman opened up about his relationship with Giannakopoulos and lauded the entire team staff.

"Giannakopoulos and me, we are of the same character," Ataman said. "We want to win, we enjoy, we have energy... [There is] great contribution not only from him but also from the whole staff," he continued before listing some names that have been crucial for PAO this year.

"Sani Becirovic [PAO's general manager], he made a great job with the transfers. My assistant [coach] Christos [Serelis], he made a great job with a focus on the defensive situations of the opponent teams," Ataman stated.

However, Ataman maintained his special mention of Giannakopoulos, prophesizing that the two are destined for a successful future together.

"But of course, if Giannakopoulos and Ataman meet, in the first meeting, the only thing on the mind is this [victory]. This is the first step in the mind. The big step will arrive soon," he concluded, hinting towards the Final Four and championship.

This year, PAO finished the regular season with 23 wins and 11 losses and finished in 2nd place behind Real Madrid.

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