Ataman: Panathinaikos' sole aim is to win Greek championship

Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman declared that winning the Greek championship is the team's exclusive goal as they prepare to face Olympiacos in the Stoiximan GBL finals. The highly anticipated series begins with the first game at Olympiacos' home court.

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We respect Olympiacos because they have had a great season. They have great players, a great coach, they play great basketball.

Ataman acknowledged Olympiacos' impressive season, recognizing their strong roster, skilled players, and effective coaching. He recalled a decisive victory against Olympiacos in the Cup final when both teams were at full strength. However, he emphasized that the finals represent a distinct challenge where past form becomes less critical, with mental readiness and pressure management taking precedence. "We respect Olympiacos because they have had a great season. They have great players, a great coach, they play great basketball," Ataman stated.

He also commented on the significance of home-court advantage, referencing EuroLeague games where officiating neutrality diminished its impact. "We saw in the EuroLeague, when the referees are fair and don't care about the atmosphere, the home-court advantage is nothing," he said. Ataman expressed confidence in his team's readiness to compete, regardless of the outcome, but reiterated their determination to win the first game and ultimately the championship. "We will win or lose, we are ready to play basketball, to win the first game. The only goal is to win the championship."

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We saw in the EuroLeague, when the referees are fair and don't care about the atmosphere, the home-court advantage is nothing.

Ataman differentiated the Greek league from the EuroLeague, where Panathinaikos recently failed to reach the Final Four. He stressed the importance of the domestic league, highlighting their win two years prior, Olympiacos' victory last year, and their ambition to reclaim the title this season. He also provided an injury update, noting that while Kostas Sloukas might have a chance to play, Andreas Rogkavopoulos is unlikely to be available. The team is motivated to prove their strength after a disappointing playoff exit in the EuroLeague.

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We will win or lose, we are ready to play basketball, to win the first game. The only goal is to win the championship.