Ergin Ataman spoke to reporters ahead of the start of the Stoiximan GBL Finals. The Panathinaikos AKTOR head coach emphasized the key element that makes the difference in such games and the importance of home-court advantage.

Here is what he stated in detail:

On returning to the Greek reality after the Final Four:
“We’ve played many games against Olympiacos this season. We know them well. We’ll be ready for the Finals. We’ll try to win the title. The only advantage we have is the home-court.”

On what needs to change:
“We have to play well in order to win.”

On his message to his players:
“The Final Four is over; it belongs to the past. Our only focus is winning the Stoiximan GBL title. We must play well to achieve it.”

On the list of foreign players available for the Finals:
“We’ll know about the roster tomorrow night. I don’t know yet.”

Panathinaikos AKTOR captain Kostas Sloukas said:

“After the disappointment in Abu Dhabi, essentially in the semifinal, we didn’t show up as we should have. We were below expectations, and as we said, we deserved to lose. One very important goal remains: the Championship. We’ve been working for nine months for this. First of all, we have to protect our home court the day after tomorrow and, with our fans here, take the 1-0 lead.

These derbies are different from all others. They define the season for both teams. Regardless of having won the Cup, if we fail to win the Championship, the season will be seen in a very negative light. We’ll fight… Where will it be decided? In desire, ability, and of course, tactics. I think we have to defend our home court because, as I said, we’ve worked nine months for this advantage.

We are professional players. We need to leave the past behind. What matters now is only the present and the future. Right now, we must win the Championship and show that we are the best team in Greece. Nothing else matters. We need to change our mindset.”

Jerian Grant added:

“We’re excited to play in these games. We want to succeed and win a second consecutive title in the Stoiximan GBL. We’re disappointed with the Final Four result, but we know we have to move on, step on the court, and win three games to take the title. Olympiacos has two great scorers, so it’s important we play really well against them. Home-court advantage is the most important thing. We worked and fought all year for this—to play in front of our fans.”