Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman believes the EuroLeague has overtaken the NBA in terms of basketball quality, at least for European fans.
Speaking during the EuroLeague Final Four opening press conference in Abu Dhabi, Ataman said the European competition has improved consistently over the past 25 years and now offers a more compelling product than its American counterpart.
“My opinion is that the competition, the basketball played in the EuroLeague, is much better now than the NBA,” Ataman stated.
The veteran coach also claimed that a growing number of fans in Europe have shifted their attention away from the NBA to follow the EuroLeague more closely.
He attributed this change to the style and competitiveness of the EuroLeague product, suggesting it resonates more with traditional basketball audiences in Europe.
Ataman’s remarks come ahead of Panathinaikos’ semifinal clash with Fenerbahce as the defending champions aim for back-to-back titles.
The other semifinal will feature Olympiacos facing Monaco, setting up the potential for all-Greek final.
Ataman led Panathinaikos to their seventh EuroLeague title last season and is now focused on replicating that success in Abu Dhabi.
When asked about the anticipated NBA’s entrance into Europe, Ataman made it clear that his priority remains the Final Four.
“For the future, what’s going on is not my job. Now I am only focused on the EuroLeague Final Four,” he said.
