Ergin Ataman spoke on the eve of the EuroLeague Playoff quarterfinal series against Anadolu Efes Istanbul and explained why Kendrick Nunn deserved to be named MVP of the regular season.

In detail, his statements:

On the series against Anadolu Efes Istanbul: “They are a team with great potential. They didn’t start the season well, but once their injured players returned, Anadolu Efes Istanbul found their rhythm and played good basketball. Now it’s the playoffs. Both teams will bring their full strength. Tomorrow is the first game of the series and we will be ready to win.”

On the importance of strong defense in the series: “Anadolu Efes Istanbul has outstanding offensive players who perform with excellent structure and discipline. Naturally, defense will be the key to this series.”

On Kendrick Nunn: “Kendrick deserved this award for the regular season. Of course, there were others who had exceptional seasons, such as T.J. Shorts, Sasha Vezenkov, and Nigel Hayes-Davis. They also deserve congratulations for their impressive performances. I was not allowed to vote for my own players, but the public voted for him. I truly believe he earned it, and I hope this award will motivate him to help keep our team in the Final Four and in the title race. To be the best defender, the best player, or a member of the best team is important—but ultimately, what counts is who wins the championship.”

On his personal connection with Anadolu Efes Istanbul: “I have the utmost respect for Anadolu Efes Istanbul. They are one of the most respectable organizations in Europe. Many of the players currently there were with me—we made history with what we accomplished. But now we’re on different paths, and I will do everything I can to keep my team in the Final Four.”

On whether this is the most competitive playoff series in recent years: “No, I don’t agree. All playoff series are competitive. All eight teams deserve to be in the playoffs, and the four that earned home-court advantage truly deserved it. These playoffs will be tough. I want to wish good luck to all players and staff involved.”

On the importance of home-court advantage and fan expectations: “The playoffs are a different stage. It’s showtime. Our fans are incredible and must prove they are the sixth player. They have been with us all season, and I believe they will continue to be. From the first to the last possession.”

On Papapetrou: “He’s not ready. He won’t play in these first two games. I don’t know yet what will happen next week in Istanbul.”

Brown: “I’m looking forward to what’s coming”

Lorenzo Brown spoke to reporters ahead of the upcoming series against Anadolu Efes Istanbul. The Panathinaikos AKTOR guard shared his thoughts on the key factors of the matchup and commented on Kendrick Nunn being named the EuroLeague Regular Season MVP.

In detail, he stated:

On the matchup with Anadolu Efes Istanbul: “It’s better to be on this side of history than on the other. Last season is in the past. I’m looking forward to what’s coming tomorrow, and to the series overall. We need to be ourselves—that’s the least we can do. Be aggressive from the tip-off, do what it takes to win the rebounds and score. Both teams are very strong. It’s definitely going to be a battle. I’m ready for what’s ahead! What happened last year is behind us. I’m focused on what’s coming tomorrow and in the rest of the games”.

On individual matchups: “This league is full of great players. Anadolu Efes is extremely talented. As you mentioned, Elijah Bryant is having a tremendous season, and Shane Larkin is simply Shane Larkin. It’s a great team—full of talent. We need to pay attention to every detail and stick to our game”.

On Kendrick Nunn’s MVP award: “That guy put up incredible numbers all season. He leads this team. He’s here doing what he does every day. He keeps shooting until he hits the number he’s aiming for. That work ethic speaks volumes, in my opinion. We’re proud of him. We see the work he puts in every day, the effort he gives. He does things you don’t usually notice. He absolutely deserved this. I’m sure he’ll win more awards this year. He’s worked incredibly hard. We’re happy for him”.

On what made Kendrick Nunn stand out this season: “You could just turn the cameras around and see what sets him apart—it’s the hard work and commitment. He puts in the work every single day. That’s the proof. He takes care of his body, he pays attention to every detail. He has a gift—he’s incredibly talented. Everybody knows it”.