Ataman calls for investment in Greek basketball, cricitizes scheduling / News - Basketnews.com

Two-time EuroLeague champion Ergin Ataman spoke about the intense nature of scheduling in European basketball and encouraged investment in Greek basketball.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman talked about a variety of issues after his team's 73-89 victory against PAOK mateco.

2-pointers this season

55%19,8Points made:19,8Accuracy:54,5%Place in standings:9Record max:27Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The experienced specialist mainly talked about the harshness of scheduling in European basketball and the need for investments in Greek basketball.

"It's a situation we've been discussing for ten years, it's a global issue," Ataman said about the scheduling in Europe. "There are leagues with more teams and matches.If you look at the calendar, [you will see that] there are many games."

"I believe that the two Greek teams [Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos] will be in the playoffs, and their schedule will be burdened even more," the Turkish coach said about the post-season potentialities of the two derby rivals.

"That leaves two months of rest for the players. There is an effort to improve, there are discussions, and the best possible realistic plan must be found," he said with a wish on the matter.

The other agenda on the topic of Ataman was the development of Greek basketball, which he talked about after praising PAOK and hailing its history as a former force to be reckoned with in the EuroLeague.

"I hope the state will make bigger and more investments in basketball and in the courts, which will be very important for the future of Greek basketball," Ataman said. "I have seen in other countries like Spain, Italy, Lithuania, and other countries much better facilities," he explained with examples.

"People love basketball. I see it on the street[s], and Greece should invest more in the sport," he concluded.

With the win against PAOK, Panathinaikos maintained its leadership in the Greek Basket League with 20 wins and 1 loss.

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