By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos took the longer route, but still secured a spot in the EuroLeague Playoffs.
Ergin Ataman’s side defeated Monaco in the Play-In and will now face Valencia in the quarterfinals.
Following the win, the Turkish tactician spoke about the upcoming best-of-five series against the Spanish side, which finished second in the regular season standings and defeated Panathinaikos in both meetings this year.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate his colleague from Valencia’s bench, Pedro Martinez, on winning the EuroLeague Coach of the Year award.
“I didn’t choose to play against Valencia, destiny put us against Valencia. They have a great team and a great coach. I want to congratulate him on the Best Coach of the Year award, he deserved it 100 percent. They also have great players like Montero, but we also have a great team. Two different systems will face each other“, Ataman said.
Despite Valencia holding home-court advantage, Ataman is not ready to label them as favorites.
“I cannot say that Valencia beat us twice and that they are favorites for the Final Four. We have great players. The only thing is, they have had the better coach this season. My performance wasn’t enough so far, but now we will see where we go.”