Panathinaikos’ preseason journey in Australia opened with a solid victory against the Adelaide 36ers in Sydney as part of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament. After the game, head coach Ergin Ataman took time to reflect on both the win and the challenges his team faces heading into the 2025/26 season.
“This season is strange for us because we had eight players with their national teams at EuroBasket,” Ataman explained. “For that reason, we didn’t have any preparation. The period between the end of EuroBasket and the start of the season is very short. But we have the advantage that 90% of the team is the same as last year, and the players we signed are smart. Our system is simple. And I believe we’ll be ready for the EuroLeague tip-off, we’ll have 7–8 days of preparation once we’re back in Athens. I just hope we won’t have an issue with jet lag when we return. But we have enough depth, and we’ll start the season in good shape.”
Ataman also addressed the status of Cedi Osman, who has been sidelined since EuroBasket but is working his way back.
“I believe he will be ready for the EuroLeague opener. Right now, he is in recovery in Athens. I hope that 2–3 days before the EuroLeague start, he’ll be able to join team practices,” the coach noted.
Discussing the integration of new additions such as Greek internationals Vassilis Toliopoulos and Nikos Rogkavopoulos, as well as the overall roster balance, Ataman pointed to the depth and variety needed for a demanding campaign.
“It’s very good that we have them, and it’s not just them. We have Shorts in the backcourt, Holmes, and we’ll also have Grigonis back after his serious injury, as he will start training with the team. We have a great roster. Everyone has their role on the team, and naturally, game by game, we’ll be more ready, they’ll gain rhythm, and they’ll also get more minutes on the court. This year we’ll play 80–85 games, so this roster is exactly what we need to fight for the EuroLeague and the championship.”
Looking beyond his team’s preparations, Ataman shared his broader perspective on European basketball compared to the NBA.
“The level of EuroBasket this year was very high. EuroBasket is a mix of EuroLeague and the NBA. For me, it was a very good experience. I’ve told everyone that European basketball, the EuroLeague, has grown a lot, it’s at a high level. For me, the NBA is more about show, while the EuroLeague is mix of show and competitiveness. Even at the start of the season, EuroLeague games feel like playoff games. I think the EuroLeague gives the fans more excitement.”
He added a personal observation on fan engagement.
“I’ve noticed something – maybe I’m wrong – but attendance at EuroLeague games is going up, while in the NBA it’s going down compared to before. Europeans like to watch games that feel like finals. And now we also have many stars in the EuroLeague. I think the NBA has lost some of its popularity in Europe. That’s my personal experience. That’s why they now want to come and create a new league in Europe.”
Ataman concluded with optimism about the sport’s growth.
“I hope everything goes well for European basketball. Of course, the NBA has great marketing, but the quality of basketball right now is much better in Europe during the regular season. Of course, the NBA Playoffs and Finals are something completely different, but starting October 1st, the EuroLeague will be at the highest level in the world.”
Ergin Ataman optimistic about Cedi Osman’s return, weighs in on #NBA – #EuroLeague debatehttps://t.co/LSOSl9nqQv
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 21, 2025
