Ioannis Papapetrou returns to action after 3 months: 'I felt like a 19-year-old' / News - Basketnews.com

Ioannis Papapetrou took the court after 3 months, as Panathinaikos beat Lavrio 92-76. The Greek forward will face Partizan, his former team, next Friday night.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

In Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens' 92-76 win over Lavrio Megabolt for Greek League Round 14, Ioannis Papapetrou made his comeback after three months of absence.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens / Schedule

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Anadolu Efes Istanbul83-76 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens AS Monaco88-63 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradeFri19:15

The Greek international forward stepped on the floor in an official match again, scoring his first basket in the first quarter. Papapetrou, 29, had undergone a knee surgery last October.

His last game was on October 14, against Peristeri. In Lavrio, he tallied 7 points on a perfect 3/3 from the field, 1 assist and 5 turnovers in 16 minutes.

"I was counting the days, they were hard days," Papapetrou admitted in an interview with broadcaster ERT after the outing.

"It's very difficult. Everyone knows my love for the club and the team. God has a plan and there are some things you can't change," he continued.

"I tried to be back earlier and so it happened. I'm lacking minutes, games, breaths, strength... Today, it felt like I was 19 again, but in a bad way because I was nervous," he conceded.

"I have to continue my recovery, but I feel well."

While Papapetrou was sidelined, Panathinaikos kept their winning streak in the Greek league, while registering a solid 13-8 balance after 21 EuroLeague Rounds.

"We have made a very good run," he commented.

"The effort made in the summer has been very positive. No season ends in January and it's still very early because everything is decided in the end. In the EuroLeague, we want to secure the home advantage to get the best out of this year's OAKA and our fans' support, but also to win the Greek Cup and league by entering the playoffs with the home-court advantage," he set PAO's goals.

"All three titles are open for us. We still haven't played our best basketball and in the future, we will play even better."

Papapetrou said coach Ergin Ataman built the team "almostfrom scratch."

"We are a completely new team with new players, but we have laid the foundation, and that is credited to the coach and the staff. We're constantly improving. Even now, I think we still haven't reached the level of basketball that we want. We have shown what we can do, but we lack stability," he pointed out.

Referring to his role on the team, Papapetrou said he thinks he's a good fit.

"I can give things that the team lacks. I was looking forward to playing, to help the team achieve its goals," he concluded.

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