Head Coach for Panathinaikos, Argyris Pedoulakis spoke of motivation, Schortsanitis and all that was said and done from this morning concerning the team: “We had to establish a competitive motive today, having already qualified for the Top16. We tried to work with the guys in this area. Fenerbahce/Ulker on the other hand aimed to win in order to avoid playing a knock-out clash in the next game day across from Cantu. We stepped out somewhat numb, especially in offense. We held fast however in defense, keeping the score low across from a team with great players and then we improved in backcourt. We had the extra pass, we had great choices and good performance in departments such as free throws, rebounds and in a game with quite a defensive character, we had few turnovers and that was the most auspicious element for us in the encounter. We hold on to the win, we have yet another game in Euroleague regular season and on we go”.

When questioned on Sofoklis Schortsanitis’ presence he stressed: “Sofo is a part of our game. If we use him correctly he can really help us. He got us out of a sticky spot today, especially in backcourt. We have changed certain things and he upon his return must automate some moves and establish connections with a new player, Banks, with whom essentially they have trained 1-2 times and he can really help him out”.

Panathinaikos coach was asked about the Panathinaikos BC President’s Mr. Dimitris Giannakopoulos Press Conference: “We tried to remain focused on the game. We spoke to the players and tried to seek out the positive in all this, we try to drive motivation from anything that might occur. The fans were very positive, warm and helped us substantially. Panathinaikos is a great cub, a huge one and the players found motive for the game, brought out energy and essentially the team helped the fans and vice versa”.

About the fact that Panathinaikos on yet another occasion contained his opponent in frontcourt he stated: “Offensive and defensive collaborations need repetition. Through video, training, even through turnovers, players and team improve. A very serious mistake a player might commit is experienced more easily if committed in order for him to understand it, to remedy it. Our defense is our main core, the foundation on which we have based our efforts. In every game given we have been in it until the very last minute because we always have a defensive game”.