By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes defending the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown lasted until the penultimate Round of the Regular Season.
Two championships in a row to go with leading the standings of the 2019-20 season until the coronavirus pandemic halted action and competing in the championship game of the 2019 Final Four shape a dominating four-year stretch for the Istanbul outfit. However, the 2022-23 season was far from kind for head coach Ergin Ataman and his players. Changes can be coming up.
“I don’t want to get into the contract things right now. In the upcoming periods, plans will be made in Anadolu Efes on the basis of both players and coaches. Don’t believe false rumors. Anyone can make an offer to anyone. There is no agreement. We will look ahead,” Ataman underlined in the postgame press conference following the loss to crosstown rival Fenerbahce Beko in Ulker Sports Arena Thursday night.
“We are like family with Anadolu Efes. We’re going to review this season’s failure. We’ll see after that. There is nothing finished at the moment,” he added focusing on the bottom end of the Regular Season and the approaching Playoffs of Turkey’s BSL.
Ataman, 57, has been linked to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. He once more denied meeting with any potential suitor, without specifically naming the Greens, but noted an offer for his services downplaying the importance.
“It’s all speculation created by the fake press. I have never met anyone face-to-face in any way. Of course, an offer came to me,” he said, “We thanked him and said that we would look into the situation in the coming days. During this period, many offers come to us and to the players. Natural stuff.”
Efes will wrap up EuroLeague’s Regular Season with a home game versus AS Monaco next Friday. Improving on the current 17-6 domestic tally jumps out as the main goal along with later competing for the BSL championship in the Playoffs.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net