Panathinaikoshead coach, Argyris Pedoulakis, stressed during the Press Conference after the clash versus Peristeri: “We were quite good and mature throughout the entire encounter. Peristeri had a dynamic image. In the first half we were good in backcourt, but did of course commit unpressured turnovers for no particular reason. In the third quarter we picked up the pace, got into the game through defense and from this department managed to get a lead. We managed also to offer rest to certain players. I would like to wish Peristeri good luck in the ensuing season, team which is making its own effort from a competitive aspect. I believe that if it remains united it will achieve its goals and I would also like to wish Jimis Koustenis the best of luck for all the work his is committing as to all of the guys too. He has experience”.
About his return to the Peristeri indoor stadium he stressed: “It is not an easy thing to return to a place you were in for years. I would like to thank Peristeri BC for honoring me at the beginning of the game but from then on, every team is down to its own business on court. We would also like to thank the Panathinaikos fans for coming along and supporting us in yet another game”.
Pedoulakis was also questioned about the turnovers: “We committed 12 and some for no special reason. We committed dumb mistakes during the first quarter due to a relaxed nature we had in certain plays. We focused upon that and managed to reach where we had aspired to. We must pick up the pace in order to reach where we aspire because we are a new team. It is not easy because every player has a different background but I believe we are on the right path. Especially in Euroleague we must be more cautious, since there you must have speedier thought and execution”.
Peristeri Head Coach, Jimis Koustenis, stated: “I would like to thank Argyris for his kind words so much for the team as towards me personally. As far as the game, what betrayed us was our usual good third quarter. It boomeranged on us this time. In the two first quarters we had the energy; in the third however the difference in quality and level that Panathinaikos has as a team surfaced while it brought out extra and greater energy. We chose poorly, had bad range and Panathinaikos mounted a great lead. It was a good lesson for us to play across from a Euroleague level team, across from such bodies and such players of remarkable experience. We leave this game behind and focus on what’s up next”.
Charis Giannopoulos, a Peristeri player last season, congratulated his former team and the effort it is making only to add: “I hope it remains in the category and that it catches its goals. The game was tough before it started because you must never think a game is easy especially when on the road. We started out a little numb but gradually picked up the pace and finally in second half we were performing more pleasingly. Through defense we established a pace and got to quite a win”.
Fotis Zoumpos, a Panathinaikos player last season, stressed: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos because it played a mature game throughout the encounter’s entire duration. We had gambled on exhaustion it might have had due to its Euroleague obligations and as long as we brought energy out in the first half we were close in score. Panathinaikos improved its game in the third quarter, we had bad range and the gap that posed all the way down to the end was formed. We work aiming to remain in the category. We must focus on the important games that follow, first being the one across from Kavala”.
