Panathinaikos landed today in Athens, after completing the first stage of its preparation for the new season and six friendly games played there.
The coach of the team, Zeljko Obradovic stated: “We began our preparation for the new season without some of our players. I must say that the young athletes we had with us for our U18 team helped us a lot, as well as Nestoras Kommatos and Nikos Spanos. They worked as true professionals, all of them and I must say that beside being good players, they are very good as characters too. Now we have stronger friendly games in our schedule. Through the games we’ll work our plays and tactics, in order to be ready for our official games. There are some injury problems with Pekovic, Nicholas and Batiste, while Jasikevicius has to follow his own program of rehabilitation. We have to keep up with the good work, as two new players are expected to join us: Tepic and Calathes. We have enough time for everything”.
Obradovic was asked about Panathinaikos’ players that were present in Poland: “Our players were positive for their teams in Eurobasket and I will be satisfied if they play as well for Panathinaikos”, he answered smiling, heading for the next question, that was about Giorgi Shermadini: “He was very good so far, he played very well in the friendly games, but he has to work really hard if he wants to be important for Panathinaikos. The fact that he scored well it’s not important. To continue working, is”.
Tsartsaris: “We’ll be ready when time comes”
This year, Kostas Tsartsaris, was present since day one in Panathinaikos, as he had made it clear that he needed a “time out” of the National Team. “It was something different for me, as well as for Diamantidis, to watch the games on TV. But times change. There is the “first time” for everybody. We worked hard, as we all know that these first days are essential for the whole season. We worked on our physical condition and now we are expecting our team mates who were present in Poland to continue all together, to make the next step pointing more to basketball and our plays. Every period during the season is important for different reason. Till January we have to get the wins in order to get a better place in our group in Euroleague for example, but we all know that all the titles are up for grabs from March till the end of the season; And we have to be ready!”
Calathes: “I am happy to be here”
Nik Calathes landed in “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport, shortly after the rest of the team. “I needed these few days off, to see my family. Now it’s time to get back to the court, to work with my teammates, to begin practicing with Panathinaikos. I am very happy to be here and I am looking forward to be with my teammates. I already know some of them, since we played together in Eurobasket. It’s something that will make things easier for me. I am proud to be member of the Greek National Team of what we did in Poland. It was a positive experience for me from day one to the bronze medal at the end. I am happy to be considered member of this team. As I am proud to be member of Panathinaikos. It’s the only team I have in my mind right now. No other team, nor the NBA or something else. My goal is to focus on my team and to give 100% in every practice. I want to begin practicing and I am sure that I will benefit a lot of my presence here! My wish is for Panathinaikos to get all the three titles again”.
