Ataman: 'We are the power if they let us play and everything is fair'

Following a victory, coach Ergin Ataman expressed his belief that his team possesses the strength to win the title if the game is played fairly. He pointed to a disparity in free throws, noting that Olympiacos had 14 attempts while his team had nine. Ataman hopes for continued fairness in the upcoming third game, emphasizing that his team is powerful when allowed to compete on equal terms. He stated, "We are the power if they let us play and everything is fair."

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We are the power if they let us play and everything is fair.

Ataman also addressed his halftime interaction with the opposing president, stating it was not directed against him but concerned the situation with the referees and the opposing coach, Bartzokas. While acknowledging Bartzokas as a great coach, Ataman called for similar respect from referees, particularly in Piraeus, suggesting that media influence might affect their calls. He asserted his own status as a successful coach in recent years.

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I cannot say, he is the president, I am the coach. It was not against me, it was something about the situation that happened, with the referees and Bartzokas.

Regarding player performance, Ataman identified Toliopoulos as the X-factor, praising the team's defense throughout the game. He acknowledged Hayes-Davis's exceptional offensive and defensive performance in the second half, calling it a great game. While noting that Lessort and Nan did not meet their average performance, they played for the team. Ataman is confident Nan will score significantly in the next game. He also mentioned Lessort might have a cramp due to his effort but doesn't believe it's serious, while the condition of Sloukas remains unknown, dependent on his own assessment.

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Bartzokas is a great coach, a big coach, perhaps the best Greek coach in the last ten years.

Ataman expressed confidence in players like Nigel Hayes-Davis, who continued to shoot despite missing early shots. He emphasized that such players do not give up and continue to play, and he consistently provides them with confidence. He also commented on Lessort's effort and the uncertainty surrounding Sloukas's availability for future games, recognizing Sloukas as a leader who will play if he feels capable.

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I want the same respect from the referees, especially in Piraeus. Maybe the referees read the media too much and are influenced.