Ergin Ataman signs deal with Panathinaikos, Giannakopoulos welcomes coach / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman signed the papers to become the new head coach of Panathinaikos.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Ergin Ataman signed his two-year contract with Panathinaikos Athens on Sunday morning, according to SDNA.

Free throws this season

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

Ataman sent the necessary documentation to the PAO side.

Via SDNA, Ataman is expected to come to Athens in the coming days.

Gazzetta.gr also reports that his place on the bench of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, despite having a contract that expires in a few weeks, looks particularly precarious.

Following the sealed deal, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos welcomed Ataman to the team with a post and story on Instagram.

"Welcome. Ataman has signed," Giannakopoulos wrote.

The official club announcement is still pending.

Errick McCollum critical of Ergin Ataman's move to Panathinaikos. Credit Screenshot

Under Ataman's guidance, Anadolu Efes went from being the worst team in the league to reaching the EuroLeague final in the 2018-19 season.

The 57-year-old also won two EuroLeague trophies with the Turkish team in the last two years.

However, the back-to-back EuroLeague champions' run has ended this year, as they miss out on the EuroLeague postseason action after finishing 11th in the regular season with a 17-17 record.

Pablo Laso and Xavi Pascual have emerged as the main candidates to replace Ataman on Efes bench.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.