'We follow him': PAO players confirm trust in Ataman amid long-practice controversy / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman's infamous multi-hour session paid off, as Panathinaikos beat Bayern Munich. However, it seems that the squad will need to gel and tune in with the coach a lot better in the weeks to come. Three players weigh in on the issue.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

"Do you think the media exaggerated what happened on Tuesday regarding the exact time the squad spent at OAKA that day?"BasketNewsasked Lefteris Mantzoukas almost an hour afterPanathinaikos Athenshad racked up their maiden EuroLeague win of the season, a narrow 78-71 over FC Bayern Munich.

Points this season

48%78,0Points made:78,0Accuracy:48,1%Place in standings:12Record max:78Record min:78Best scorer:Kostas SloukasTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"No, I can confirm that. It wasn't exaggerated at all," the Greek forward responded.

"You know, just a while ago, coach [Ergin] Atamanstated that the media presented a false image of what really happened. He said the team had a 1.5-hour practice and a 4-hour video session," Mantzoukas was informed.

"Oh, if coach Ataman said so, that must be true. Whatever he says," the Greek international changed his mind in an instant.

"Coach Ataman knows what he's doing," Mantzoukas continued. "He is a

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