By Vangelis Papadimitriou/ info@eurohoops.net
Sidelined with an injury, Nate Wolters was forced to miss the first chunk of the 2022-23 season. Joining Panathinaikos in July, he committed to the fifth campaign in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The experienced point guard, a product of South Dakota State, is now looking to help the Greens overcome a sluggish start to the Regular Season.
“We needed this win,” he confessed to Eurohoops after the home win against Cazoo Baskonia Friday, “We got off to a bad start but with a long way ahead of us. Big win. We were better in the second half. I hope we can continue like this.”
Wolters, 31, chipped in nine points, seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal. Beyond the players guided by Dejan Radonjic, additional help was provided by the 6,232 supporters at OAKA Altion.
“The fans were great. We must protect home court, take care of these games, that’s why it was important to win tonight,” he stressed the importance of getting the job done in the Athens venue, “We must continue this way, especially at home.”
“Any win is hard in EuroLeague. Even home games can be a challenge. Every win counts,” he added on the demanding games spread across the schedule, “Many good teams are struggling, but the season is long. We had plenty of time to practice these days. That helped.”
The contribution from Giorgos Papagiannis amounted to an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
“He makes it easy for his teammates. Just throw the ball, he will catch it,” Wolters described the towering center and team captain to Eurohoops, “He changed the game in the third quarter, especially in defense with rebounds and positioning. That is the exact way we must play from here on, win or lose.”
The next challenge will be on the road as Panathinaikos visits Fenerbahce Beko in Istanbul Friday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net