Balcerowski: 'Only a fool would refuse an offer I received from Panathinaikos' / News - Basketnews.com

Aleksander Balcerowski draws a parallel between Ergin Ataman and Gregg Popovich: "You can compare Ataman's praises to a situation where Gregg Popovich compliments an NBA player."

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos Athens recently welcomed Polish national team center Aleksander Balcerowski. Both sides agreed on a two-year deal, while Balcerowski became the 11th addition to the Greek powerhouse this offseason.

Aleksander Balcerowski

Position:CAge:22Height:215 cmWeight:108 kgBirth place:PolandProfileNewsStatistics

Head coach Ergin Ataman had high praise for Balcerowski, considering him a perfect fit for the team.

After the deal was sealed, the 22-year-old reacted to these words.

"In Europe, this is a great honor. You can compare it to a situation where Gregg Popovich compliments an NBA player," Balcerowski told Piotr Wesolowicz of Sport.pl. "I'm glad that coach Ataman said that. I'm glad that he wanted me on his team. But now, you can't rest on your laurels. I have to show him that he was right."

Last season, another Polish player Mateusz Ponitka represented the PAO jersey. Before signing the contract, did he give Balcerowski any tips?

"Yes, but this is a private matter. These were totally private conversations, and I don't want to talk about it," Balcerowski responded with a smile.

Gran Canaria was the team where Balcerowski established his name as a prominent European big man who could stretch the floor.

He was chosen as the EuroCup Rising Star for the 2022-23 season after Balcerowski helped the Spanish team to win the tournament by averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 10.6 PIR in 22 appearances, despite playing fewer than 17 minutes per game.

Balcerowski also knocked down 40.9% of his three-pointers.

"Yeah, it's definitely more serious now. But at some point, you have to leave the nest," Balcerowski said of his departure from the Canary Islands. "But offers like the one from Panathinaikos are not refused. From such a club, with such a coach. Only a fool would refuse.

"But Gran Canaria will always be in my heart. It is my first home. I will surely miss it, but in such situations, you have to be ready to make sacrifices and realize that such an offer may not be repeated."

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