By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After 19 years, Anadolu Efes is back in the EuroLeague Final Four. Last year, the Turkish club finished last in Europe’s premier competition, but rebounded in a big way during its 2018-19 campaign. Ergin Ataman’s side ended up with a 20-10 W-L record in the Regular Season and went through FC Barcelona Lassa in the Playoffs en route to the 2019 EuroLeague Final Four.
Ataman, 53, discussed the spectacular turnaround with EuroLeague.net. “At the beginning of this season, we took 10 new players and made very good chemistry. Of course, at the beginning of the season, our goal was not to play at the Final Four” he said and added: “After the season started and the team started playing very well, for me, it’s not a surprise to reach the Final Four – because we deserve it.”
Asked if his team could become a major force in the EuroLeague, the Turkish head coach mentioned: “Yes. I believe the Final Four is not the last step for this team. We have two more games to play for the EuroLeague championship, but I believe Efes will stay at this level next year.”