Panathinaikos AKTOR is preparing for the upcoming home game against Olympiacos (8/11, 21:15) in the 8th round of the EuroLeague, with Ergin Ataman stating:
"Each game is different. Five minutes before the end of practice, I spoke to my team. I told them that it doesn't matter that we won in the league ten days ago at the opponent’s home court. Olympiacos is in good shape, and I have a lot of respect for Giorgos Bartzokas and his system. They have experienced players, so we need to approach this as a new game, in a new atmosphere. We're playing at home, but ultimately, it's the players who must perform on the court. It is crucial that we are mentally and physically prepared."
On whether intensity will be a key factor in the derby: "This is a EuroLeague game, a derby. Every EuroLeague game has intensity, and that applies in every arena, against every team. Tomorrow, we have a derby. Two strong teams, two teams aiming for the Final Four. The game will be intense and aggressive from both sides."
On whether Panathinaikos AKTOR has an advantage due to the league win at SEF and playing now at home: "Of course, it’s always an advantage to play at home in the EuroLeague. You have the support and motivation of the fans behind you, and that’s an advantage. However, I don’t believe the league win matters. Olympiacos will have a different lineup. In that match, we also had absences of key players like Ioannis Papapetrou and Omer Yurtseven. Olympiacos benefitted greatly from Shaquielle McKissic in their wins against Barcelona and Real Madrid. These will be two different teams on the court, but the tactics will remain the same."
On Marius Grigonis: "Grigonis has a serious back issue. I think he will be out for about a month to a month and a half."
Brown: "The fans will be as excited as we are"
Lorenzo Brown stated: “We’ll make our adjustments, and I expect an incredible atmosphere. It will feel like a playoff game; the fans will be as excited for the game as we are. It will be a strong atmosphere; we’ll battle hard and compete, but ultimately we’ll focus on facing our opponent.”
On his role: “I’m trying to play my role, be as aggressive as Coach wants from the point guard position, stay in rhythm, and share the ball with my teammates. When I get the chance for an open shot, I’ll take it.”
On the motivation within the team: “It’s a derby, it’s sold out, and it’s my first home derby. I’m excited.”
On the talk of Panathinaikos AKTOR’s advantage in the guard positions: “We have a lot of talented handlers and scorers, as does Olympiacos. I’m not saying we have the best team or the best guards, but they will play a key role in the game, as will our big men, Mathias Lessort and Omer Yurtseven. We’re strong in the paint as well. It’s going to be a different kind of game, and we’ll see how it plays out.”
He concluded: “I feel like it will be like a playoff game, or even a final. The fans want more of these games, and this is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to it. Both teams are among the most dominant in the EuroLeague. I think it’s fantastic for Greece to have two such strong teams in the EuroLeague.”
