Giannis Sfairopoulos comments on Milutinov's return to Piraeus, Panathinaikos' moves / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Sfairopoulos spoke about Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and the Greek national team. The Greek coach weighed in on Kostas Sloukas' potential absence from the World Cup and made a comment on Efes' decision to hand over the reins to Erdem Can.

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While Giannis Sfairopoulos is waiting for his own return to EuroLeague benches, he's following all important developments in European basketball.

3-pointers this season

37%9,7Points made:9,7Accuracy:36,9%Place in standings:5Record max:19Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with Greek public radio ΕRA Sport, the Greek coach referred to Olympiacos Piraeus' reported agreement with Nikola Milutinov, praised Kostas Papanikolaou's dedication, and commented on Kostas Sloukas' decision to skip the 2023 World Cup.

At the same time, he stressed that Panathinaikos Athens can make a splash under Ergin Ataman's guidance.

"Olympiacos have a strong core and a steady coaching philosophy over the years. They're looking to fill the positions needed to become even stronger. With the addition of Nikola, they've bolstered their frontcourt even more," Sfairopoulos initially said.

[Moustapha] Fall certainly makes a difference, but Milutinov is an athlete who can shoot and pass. He's a little more flexible. Most likely, they won't be playing together, even though that always depends on the opponent. Nikola knows where he's coming back to. He developed as a player at Olympiacos and now he's a more complete player," the Thessaloniki-born tactician continued.

Sfairopoulos went on to praise Kostas Papanikolaou, a player he coached at Olympiacos between 2016 and 2018.

"I don't know the details, but Kostas is a guy who gives his soul for the team, plus he has been playing for years at Olympiacos. Beyond his contribution to basketball, it's the locker room, it's his soul and character because he's a good kid. Kostas plays a big role in the team's chemistry. He's had a great year and he showed that whenever the team needed him, he was always present.

He responded to his role 100%. On defense, he's everywhere, while on offense, he can make reads and tie the squad together. I have the best memories of him. I remember that we took him from the NBA, even though he had two injuries that brought him back."

Sfairopoulos was asked about Kostas Sloukas' decision to forego the upcoming World Cup and justified the player's call, stressing that he needs some rest.

"That kind of players, who have been playing for many years, have shown that they have contributed for years to the national team. There's no question about that. It has happened other times too; when the body is tired, or when you are mentally tired, at some point you get stuffed and want to rest.

Players are human. They may need a break. Everyone is entitled to it. This situation can happen to anyone. I think everyone deserves to have a break in their difficult career, especially when they're growing up. I'm sure he'll do anything possible to be there."

Sfairopoulos was in his last season with Olympiacos when Ergin Ataman was hired by Anadolu Efes. And even though the Turkish side finished dead-last that season (2017-18), they started a rebuild that gradually led them to the highest heights.

"As you know, I was a candidate for Efes' bench, but in the end, they preferred a Turkish coach [Erdem Can]," Sfairopoulos said. "Whether it was a matter of country of origin, I don't know."

"I remember that when Ergin [Ataman] signed with Efes, they had finished last. But as soon as he got there, he did a rebuild, and within a few years, they climbed to the top."

Panathinaikos hope to do the same in order to make a comeback, and Sfairopoulos thinks "it will be interesting and positive for Greek basketball if PAO became strong again."

"In fact, the names they've signed are strong and of a high standard," he concluded.

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