Ataman says goodbye: 'I'll be happy if I can be called an Efes legend' / News - Basketnews.com

Ataman apologized for not getting to the EuroLeague playoffs. He shared that the decision to leave Efes was difficult but necessary for both parties. In the end, Ataman hoped he could be called an Efes legend at some point in the future.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Anadolu Efes Istanbul won the Turkish League (BSL) after overcoming Pinar Karsiyaka in the final series. After the ultimate game, head coach Ergin Ataman bid farewell to the club.

3-pointers this season

39%10,1Points made:10,1Accuracy:38,9%Place in standings:4Record max:17Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Vasilije MicicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Turkish specialist thanked the club and its fans for everything they've done for him and apologized for not capturing the EuroLeague trophy for the third consecutive time.

"I'm sorry for the EuroLeague. We had a dream, we set out to do something that no one else could do before but we failed, we couldn't make the playoffs. If we made the playoffs, a lot could have happened there too, but it didn't happen," Ataman said.

"We were all demoralized from not reaching the goal in the EuroLeague. It's a fact, but it's a sport, sometimes it just doesn't happen. In my five-year Efes adventure, there were three EuroLeague finals, we won two of them," he continued. "This is my third league championship. There are also Presidential and Turkish Cup titles. I am at peace."

After his tenure at Efes, Ataman will now be heading to lead Panathinaikos Athens in hopes of returning the Greek club to its glory days.

"I've faced challenges all my life. Panathinaikos is also a new challenge for me. I'll try to represent my country in Greece in the best way I can. Efes is my home in basketball and I wish them success for the upcoming season," the coach told.

Looking back at his time in the Turkish organization, Ataman admitted that the decision was difficult to make but ultimately believes that it's for the better both for Efes and Panathinaikos.

"It's not easy for me. After all these years, I worked at Efes not as a professional but as an amateur. I'll be happy if I can be called an Efes legend in the future. A change was needed. We decided on this together with our president. I think it will be good for both parties," the flamboyant coach concluded.

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