Ergin Ataman and Jerian Grant spoke to the media on behalf of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR ahead of tomorrow’s game against Paris Basketball (26/02, 21:45) at Telekom Center Athens.

In his statement, the coach noted: “Paris Basketball is a very different team from the ones we played in the Cup and in the previous EuroLeague games. It will be a very important game for us. We must focus on defense in transition, avoid mistakes on offense, and share the ball.

The momentum changes after winning the Cup, because everyone understands that the first goal of the season has been achieved and now we are entering the final part of the EuroLeague. Everyone must stay focused in every game. There are now more games in the EuroLeague. We may be in the top four, or we may be outside the Playoffs. I am sure that all the players take the situation seriously.

Mathias is ready to play, but he has a one-game suspension and we are waiting for the restart after the national team break. I hope he will start playing regular games with the team and practicing normally. Hayes-Davis is an experienced player; it is not difficult for him to understand the strategy. To be at 100%, he needs more time. Next week he will be completely ready.

Omer is currently with the Turkish national team. Tomorrow we will not use him. We will see. The club will decide. We are not sure about Mathias’ condition. He will come to play, but we do not know. Most likely he will stay with us until the end of the season for security reasons, because we have big goals. If Mathias does not return at 100% and we have any problem with our two centers, we could be left without players. We must consider Mathias’ situation. I do not know if he is fully ready. Perhaps he will stay for security, and we will decide in the next 2–3 days.”

From his side, Jerian Grant stated: “It feels great. It was the first goal of the season and it was important that we achieved it. Playing well against one of the best teams in Europe makes you feel good. Paris Basketball is a dangerous team. Hifi and Robinson are great scorers. Tyrique (Jones) is my guy. No matter which teams we play for, he will be my brother for life.”