Panathinaikos BC AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman and Nikos Rogkavopoulos spoke ahead of tomorrow’s home matchup against Partizan Mozzart Bet (24/11, 21:15).

“At this point I can’t say I feel very comfortable if we play the way we did in the first half against Dubai Basketball. If we play like we did in the second half — aggressively, with everyone involved and with our fans supporting us — then yes, you feel comfortable and you feel you’re playing well. But for that to happen, we all need to be ready from the start of the game, because you can’t always come back in the second half. This has nothing to do with playing at home or away — you must be aggressive throughout the whole game.

Partizan Mozzart Bet lost badly in their previous game but, despite that loss, they are a very dangerous team with very good players, high-level offensive players like Sterling Brown, Washington, Tyrique, Calathes — they are dangerous every time. Above all, don’t forget that even though they’re in a difficult situation, they have the best coach in Europe, so he knows how to handle these situations. For us, what matters is to always be ready and to face every situation.”

Regarding the absences of Osman, Yurtseven, and Toliopoulos, the coach replied: “Yes, I was surprised as well. I didn’t know before practice. The doctor called and said they are not ready and they won’t play. What can I say? They won’t play. The same applies for Toliopoulos.”

Finally, speaking about the National Team windows, he noted: “First of all, let me say something. The National Team schedule is strange. You are EuroBasket finalists, and it’s not even certain you will participate in the World Cup, because now you will play with a different roster. I also won’t have the same players in this phase, that’s for sure. It’s like gambling. If FIBA insists on continuing with this schedule, then that’s the situation — but it’s ridiculous. I believe the champions and finalists from EuroBasket should compete against second-tier teams to earn a spot in the World Cup. Good luck to the Greek National Team.”

Rogkavopoulos: “We must take advantage of our good momentum”

From the players’ side, ahead of the matchup against Partizan Mozzart Bet, Nikos Rogkavopoulos stated:

“We’re in very good momentum and we have to take advantage of it. We’re playing a very important game at home, to close out the schedule before the break. We really need this win and I think we’ll make it. We have our fans, we have confidence, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get the victory.

I believe Partizan Mozzart Bet is an excellent team. Yes, they’ve had some losses — games they could have won. Some teams start the season like that, but it’s still very early. We’re playing against an excellent team, with a very good coach and very good players, and we respect the opponent 100%.”