Ergin Ataman and Cedi Osman shared their thoughts ahead of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR’s departure to Istanbul for the upcoming EuroLeague Playoff games against Anadolu Efes.​

Ataman emphasized the balanced nature of the series, stating, “There is a nice balance between the two teams. Anadolu Efes is a good team, but especially in the second game where we lost, I believe we played much better. We lost the game due to our mistakes, some errors, and some unbelievable things that happened, but we proved that we are there to compete regardless. Whether at home or away. Because we saw that everything is fair and correct, no one gives anything to the other, no home-court advantage… So, we will go there to fight and try to win both games. But, of course, we know it will be a tough game. Both games in Athens were very difficult because of this balance. We won the first game, which perhaps Anadolu Efes deserved to win, and lost the second, which I believe we deserved to win. Because for 39 and a half minutes we were ahead, but in the last possession, they made a three-pointer and took the win. Now we go there to win the game. It’s important to be ready to fight and play good basketball because Anadolu Efes plays good basketball.”​

Regarding the emotional aspect of facing his former team, Ataman remarked, “Now it’s something different. We are professionals, and of course, we all fight for our team, for Panathinaikos BC AKTOR to bring the win. I said it a month earlier. Anadolu Efes is the only team I don’t like to face in the playoffs. Not because we are friends, but because they are a good team and have experienced players, whom I know in such games, Larkin, Bryant, and Poirier, try to do their best. There’s a reason… Otherwise, okay! We play in Istanbul, it doesn’t matter if we play in Istanbul or another country. This season we have won difficult away games, like in Monaco. So we will try to win the first game, initially, we will look at this game.”​

On the atmosphere expected in the stadium, Ataman noted, “Surely there will be an excellent atmosphere because we are in the playoffs, and all teams want to create the best atmosphere in their arena. But we saw that the show is nice, we are the best team to offer this, we have the best fans to do this, but it doesn’t affect the game result. Anadolu Efes fans are perhaps the most fair fans in Europe, but surely there will be a good atmosphere. But if Anadolu Efes came here in front of 20,000 people, with a fantastic atmosphere, and managed to take the win. Everyone comes here, the referees, to do their job without any pressure, without influence from the home court. I hope we go there, and everything is correct, because we don’t expect help from anyone, just that everything is correct, and we fight for the win.”​

Addressing the pressure on both teams, Ataman stated, “The pressure is on both sides right now, perhaps more on Anadolu Efes. Because in Athens, they came, and we were the favorites when the series started, and now they are the favorites. Maybe they think they are the favorites. I believe now they will have more pressure. It’s the playoffs, and in these games, the pressure is the same for all teams because everyone wants to be in the Final Four.”​

Regarding the absence of Mathias Lessort, Ataman commented, “It’s a different story… It’s different teams, different players. Certainly, we don’t have Mathias Lessort. We came here with different situations without Mathias, whose absence we must respect. He’s the best center in Europe. But if we managed without Mathias to finish the regular season in third place, we can win these games and go to the Final Four.”​

On the team’s strategy concerning Kendrick Nunn, Ataman explained, “Listen… All season, all teams try to stop Kendrick Nunn. So I don’t believe there’s a ‘special’ strategy to stop him. If he feels good, he can play his game and score, so we win the game. I don’t believe in specific strategies. Or that Anadolu Efes applied a strategy, and AS Monaco didn’t. In games where he scored 30-35 points, Ettore Messina, or Spanoulis didn’t follow a strategy to stop him? Everyone applied them, but he was in a good day and scored a lot. He’s a scorer and needs to be fresh, calm, and play his game. Not think too much. I tell my players ‘don’t think too much’ and play your game.”​

“We’re going to win both games – the open practice was a unique experience”

Cedi Osman shared his confidence in the team’s approach, stating, “To be honest, we are not going for one, we are going to win both games. But obviously, we look at each game separately. We know our capabilities, what kind of team we are. I believe in the team and the coaches. Everyone is ready for battle because we know it will be a very tough game in Istanbul. Everyone is ready to give their all on the court tomorrow night and obviously on Friday.”​

Reflecting on the open practice session and its impact on the team’s confidence, Osman said, “It was incredible! I think there were 12,000 fans… I don’t know! It was an amazing experience, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was definitely a unique experience and means a lot to us. They trust us, and they showed it, and we have to show them that we deserve to be in the Final Four.”​

Discussing the team’s focus for the upcoming games, Osman noted, “Just some small details. We watched the second game again, where we played really well. Some details we missed, and if we correct them, we will have a good chance to win both games.”​

Regarding his readiness for the games, Osman affirmed, “Yes, I am 100% ready and excited to get on the court.”​

Addressing the emotional aspect of facing his former team, Osman emphasized, “It’s a team I played for nine years before going to the NBA. But I’m a professional, and I have to stay focused on the court and give 100% of myself. I play for Panathinaikos BC AKTOR, and my heart is here, and I will give my best to help the team go to the Final Four. That’s my only goal. I feel only respect for Anadolu Efes, of course.”