Tyler Dorsey commends Panathinaikos and Ataman, defends Sloukas' decision / News - Basketnews.com

Tyler Dorsey weighed in on Kostas Sloukas' decision to leave Olympiacos for Panathinaikos. The Greek-American guard also spoke highly of the Greens and their coach, whilst explaining Fenerbahce's struggles in road games.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

Even though the arrival of Sarunas Jasikevicius has considerably changed Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's position in the EuroLeague standings, the Turkish powerhouse is still struggling on the road.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Mathias Lessort Points 13 Accuracy 4-8 Rebounds 8 Assists 1

The disparity between home and away games that has led Fener to just five road wins doesn't seem to concern Tyler Dorsey, who finished his team's last game against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens scoreless.

"It's not just us. If you look around Euroleague, a lot of teams struggle on the road. So we're one of those teams and we have to figure it out," the Greek-American guard told Amerikanos24.

"But we'll get a break to refresh and regroup. March is like the biggest month for every team."

Dorsey thinks "it's going to be a scratch and claw to stay in the playoffs and try to get home-court advantage."

"It's two wins and you're back up in the standing. So take it day by day. And there's obviously two months left. So, it's very important that we get it together on the road."

Dorsey dominated the derbies against Panathinaikos as a player of Olympiacos Piraeus, whether it was the Greek League or Cup, or the EuroLeague. However,the Greens re-upped and made some big signings over the summer.

"Every game I like to compete. No matter who it is," Dorsey responded.

"Panathinaikos are building something. Everybody can see it. We have to give respect where it's due. And they're playing very well this year," the Greek international acknowledged.

"So we'll see what the future holds for them and going forward to the end of this year. They're really good at home. It's good to see this atmosphere," he said of OAKA.

Dorsey faced Anadolu Efes, coached by Ergin Ataman, last year. But he had previously played the same team several times. He calls the Turkish tactician "a guard guy" and adds that "even since Efes, he has the same system."

Tyler Dorsey

MIN:18.95PTS:9.09 (52.68%)REB:1.61As:1.52ST:0.22BL:0.17TO:1GM:23ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

"He lets his guards go and you can see that with [Kendrick] Nunn. He's thriving under his system and that's normal. All of his guys are going to thrive. He has a really good system and I have noticed it over the years because I played last year against him, and you have to give him his respect."

Dorsey recalled that "people were saying this and that" about Ataman, without taking into account that he could do a good job in Athens. However, he did think that Kostas Sloukas moving to PAO was an unexpected signing.

"It's crazy. Obviously, the rivalry is huge," the 27-year-old guard pointed out.

"So it's unexpected in a way, but it's business at the end of the day You got to remember basketball for us is 10-15 years. So, financially, we have to secure ourselves sometimes," he defended his ex-teammate's decision.

"And that's what he did, no matter who's throwing that money," Dorsey continued.

"I don't think a player is saying no to that. We want to all find a home and love, but just like any league, it sometimes just comes to the end and you have to respect the decision of any player who chooses to move on.

At the end of the day, he's been hurt, but he's a good asset and he's been playing well this season," Dorsey concluded his assessment of Sloukas, who missed the contest against Fener due to injury.

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