Panathinaikos AKTOR is preparing for its home game against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (30/10, 21:15), with head coach Ergin Ataman and player Jerian Grant speaking to the press ahead of the match.
The Panathinaikos AKTOR head coach initially stated: "So far, we’ve had four away games and only one on our home court. Naturally, home games are critical, and you have to win them. You cannot underestimate any team. Last week, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne lost to Barcelona in the final minute. They score well and bring experience. We need to be ready to play aggressively, with our fans behind us. Each game, especially in the EuroLeague, is a different story. We must be ready to play aggressively and as a team.”
When asked about the players' focus level after the away win against Olympiacos and ahead of the matchup with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, he responded: “We’re not thinking about Crvena Zvezda right now; our focus is solely on the next game. Of course, you are right: after two significant away wins, there is a tendency for the team to be more relaxed in these types of games. But I hope our fans will give us the extra motivation we need. It’s essential to have a charged atmosphere in the stadium to boost the players' motivation. Villeurbanne is a very dangerous team.”
Commenting on the heavy schedule with games every two days, he said: “This is normal; we have no issue. We built a large roster for this reason. We’ve been playing with this schedule for years and continue to enjoy it. Sometimes it can be tiring, but all EuroLeague teams face the same challenge.”
When asked about Mathias Lessort’s contributions so far in both Stoiximan GBL and EuroLeague, he replied: “Mathias brings energy and effort for the whole team. He is exceptionally talented. However, even more important than his skill is his strength and energy. He always motivates us and drives us forward. Last year, he was the best center in the EuroLeague. I believe he’ll end this year again as the league’s top center. Mathias has been consistent over the past two years. Sometimes he’s less focused, but when he’s fully locked in, he’s unstoppable.”
Grant: “We need to stay focused”
Jerian Grant, on his part, remarked: “We’re excited to play at home once again, in front of our fans. It looks like it will be special again. We need to play well and secure the win. So far, it hasn’t made much of a difference—you step onto the court, and you simply play basketball. You have to stay focused.”
On defense and its importance, he added: “Defense is always key for us. We have a lot of scorers, so offense isn’t an issue. That’s why we emphasize defense. We always play as a team on defense, but when I step on the court, I take my matchups personally and want to perform well.”
Finally, regarding Kendrick Nunn and whether he is the best player in the EuroLeague, he said: “Of course, it seems that way. You can’t stop him when he’s playing like this!”
Finally, regarding the Panathinaikos AKTOR fans, he noted: “We play in Europe’s best arena; the Glass Floor is incredible. Our fans created an amazing atmosphere against Bayern. I believe that after two important wins, our fans will once again enjoy the team tomorrow and give us motivation. Our fans are critical to us, both at home and away. They support us in our away games as well. Our fans are one of the keys to our success.”
