Ataman hints at star signings and thoughts of resigning after 42-point loss to Fenerbahce / News - Basketnews.com

"We are in contact with very significant names from the EuroLeague. It will be at least 2-3 stars," Ataman emphasized.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

After winning two EuroLeague trophies and reclaiming the Turkish League (BSL) title, head coachErgin Atamanis leavingAnadolu Efes Istanbulto leadPanathinaikos Athens.

Free throws this season

74%16,0Points made:16,0Accuracy:74,2%Place in standings:4Record max:26Record min:5Most made FTs:Dwayne BaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"Olympiacos fans have serious concern and respect right now. I have great respect for Georgios Bartzokas, but he should be a little nervous, too, because we are coming after his team as a very serious opponent," Ataman underlined in a recent interview with beIN SPORTS. "First, we will end Olympiacos' dominance in Greece, and then hopefully, we will beat them in the EuroLeague Final Four."

According to Ataman, PAO are poised to make waves in the market by acquiring some of the EuroLeague's brightest stars. The Greek team has already made their first signing official today, sealing a deal with Kostas Antetokounmpo.

"It's true that we [Panathinaikos] were interested in Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant, but frankly, I did not want to lure these players with money and take them to Greece," Ataman said. "For this reason, we will not buy any players from Anadolu Efes. We are in contact with very significant names from the EuroLeague, we will detonate the transfer bombs next week. We will get at least 2-3 stars. We will get at least 6-7 very good foreigners."

Ataman left Turkey after a six-year tenure at Efes. The 57-year-old wishes his former team nothing but the best.

"I hope Anadolu Efes and Panathinaikos will play the EuroLeague final this [upcoming] season," Ataman said.

He also admitted that a devastating 42-point loss to Fenerbahce in Game 1 of the Turkish League semifinals made him consider leaving his position early.

"After the 42-point loss to Fenerbahce, I thought of resigning. If this match was 1.5 months ago, I would have resigned," he revealed. "But at that moment, I resisted until the last moment, believing that we could overcome it. I couldn't have done this much by running away 3-4 days before the end of the season."

When asked about the turning point amidst their EuroLeague failure and the setback in the domestic championship, Ataman amusingly pointed out, "I actually signed with Panathinaikos during the season. The players probably thought, 'We're finally getting rid of the coach, and now we can play without any pressure.'

"The main factor was the pieces of the team that finally came together," Ataman explained on a serious note. "We were able to use all our main players in the [Turkish League] playoffs."

Taking over Ataman's role on Efes' bench is Erdem Can, who was honored as the EuroCup Coach of the Year.

"I wish success to Erdem Can. He is a young coach and our friend. He did great at Turk Telekom. He will surely apply his own system and coaching style in the best way possible," Ataman convincingly said.

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