Ergin Ataman gives update on Dunston and Singleton, talks 'evil eye' curse / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman expressed concern about the team's recent string of setbacks and hopes that these misfortunes will be the last ones.

Credit: IMAGO/kolbert-press - Scanpix Credit IMAGO/kolbert-press - Scanpix

Anadolu Efes Istanbul cruised to a 106-82 Turkish League victory over Gaziantep on Friday night.

Free throws this season

82%13,4Points made:13,4Accuracy:81,9%Place in standings:14Record max:24Record min:4Most made FTs:Will ClyburnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

More importantly, team captain Bryant Dunston watched the local game from the Efes bench.

Dunston was involved in a severe crash crash last Saturday when his vehicle got trapped under the truck. Luckily, he avoided serious injuries and was released from the hospital.

"Dunston's arrival at the game reassured his friends, despite having suffered a serious accident that left him with wounds on his hands," coach Ergin Ataman said after the win. "His physical condition is good. Of course, he is trying to get over it psychologically."

Ataman also discussed the health condition of Chris Singleton, who was released from the hospital on Friday after severe chest pain and a suspicion of a heart attack.

Singleton was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday and underwent advanced radiological evaluation and cardiac examinations, which led to the detection of pericarditis and bilateral pleural effusion.

"Chris Singleton scared us a lot," Ataman pointed out. "After two days of interventions and examinations, it was assured that there was no heart attack. He has an inflammation in the pericardium. Chris has been discharged from the hospital, but he will not be able to play basketball for a while.

"Doctors said he would be out for about a month. If we reach the Turkish League Finals, maybe then he can play. Both of these accidents scared us a lot, we've already had a lot of setbacks throughout the season. The team seems to have an evil eye. I don't really believe in such things, but what we've been throughout the season is clear. God forbid it. At the moment, both of our players seem to be in good health. Hopefully, these misfortunes will be the last ones."

Anadolu Efes have three games to play in the domestic league. They currently rank fourth in the standings.

"We want to win the remaining three games in the regular season and enter the playoffs with the goal of becoming champions," Ataman underlined.

Turkish League playoffs are the last dance for Ataman in his current Efes stint. The back-to-back EuroLeague champion has a deal with Panathinaikos Athens for the next two seasons.

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