Ergin Ataman confirms he received offer from Panathinaikos / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman confirmed that he received an offer from Panathinaikos but once again denied the story about a face-to-face meeting.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

After a loss against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and being eliminated from the EuroLeague playoffs contention, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach Ergin Ataman received questions about his future in this club.

Player of the Game EFF 32 Nigel Hayes-Davis Points 26 Accuracy 9-13 Rebounds 4 Assists 4

The 57-year-old didn't want to speculate on his future with Efes, saying everything will be decided after the season ends.

"I don't want to get into the contract things right now," Ataman said in the press conference. "In the upcoming months, in Anadolu Efes, plans will be made regarding players and coaches. Don't believe false rumors. Anyone can make an offer to anyone. There is no agreement. We will look ahead."

"We are like family with Anadolu Efes. We're going to review this season's failure. We'll see after that. The season isn't finished at the moment," Ataman added.

In recent weeks there were plenty of reports about Ataman's meeting with Panathinaikos Athens representatives. Both Panathinaikos and Ataman already denied those reports.

However, Ataman confirmed about the received offer, adding that it's completely normal at this stage of the season.

"It's all speculation [a face-to-face meeting] created by the fake press," Ataman stated. "I have never met anyone face-to-face in any way. Of course, an offer came to me. We thanked them and said we would look into the situation in the coming future. During this period, many offers come to me and the players. Natural stuff."

Ataman joined Efes in 2017, winning two EuroLeague, two Turkish League, and two Turkish Cup titles. He was also chosen as the EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2021.

Ataman will become a free agent after the 2022-23 season.

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