Ataman's agent Raznatovic comments on the coach's possible move to PAO / News - Basketnews.com

Misko Raznatovic confirmed Panathinaikos' interest in Ataman. He said that the coach is looking for a challenge where he could bring a bottom team to the top just like he did with Efes.

Credit: Pedja Milosavljevic/SIPA, ZUMAPRESS.com – Scanpix Credit Pedja Milosavljevic/SIPA, ZUMAPRESS.com – Scanpix

The possible transfer of Anadolu Efes Istanbul's head coach Ergin Ataman to Panathinaikos Athens has garnered attention throughout recent weeks. The specialist's agent Misko Raznatovic commented on the situation.

3-pointers this season

36%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:36,3%Place in standings:11Record max:13Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Paris LeeTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with Georgios Zakkas from SDNA, the renowned basketball operative addressed the possible union between the Greek team and the Turkish coach.

"As you know, the administration of Panathinaikos is full of emotions, it has passion, just like Ataman. I think the two sides are a good match, and if it happens, it will bring excitement to Greek and European basketball. I don't know whether it will happen but we'll find out soon."

"[He's looking for] a challenge. Of course, jumping from the 10th floor is also a challenge. I don't mean that. He wants a real basketball challenge that gives him ground to try and achieve what he did in Efes again. This means taking a team from the bottom to the top of the Euroleague."

The owner of Panathinaikos is Dimitris Giannakopoulos. Although there is interest to hire Raznatovic's client to lead the team, the operative revealed that he hasn't talked with the man known as DPG (common Giannakopoulos' nickname) about the possibility to sign players from his BeoBasket agency.

"I've heard many rumors but I'll be honest with you. I don't want to talk to any owner about players if I don't know who the head coach is going to be," he explained.

"If Ataman is the coach, I will recommend 7-8 players from my list, which I know Ataman will like and suit him. If the coach is [Sarunas] Jasikevicius, the players will be different. If it is [Pablo] Laso, it will probably be different. Some of them may be in all three debates," Raznatovic said. "I haven't mentioned a single name to him."

Ataman himself has confirmed that talks are going on between him and Panathinaikos.

"The president told me he wants to return Panathinaikos where it belongs, and that suits me," Ataman said. "I want us to win titles and achieve a lot. If I come to Panathinaikos, I want to become the new Zeljko of Panathinaikos."

Raznatovic later confirmed previous reports that he will represent Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade forward Ioannis Papapetrou from now on.

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