Anadolu Efes Head Coach Ergin Ataman said, “As a Turkish coach, it doesn’t matter whether I win the Euroleague or not. The important thing is that Anadolu Efes crowns basketball with the biggest cup in two years.”
Anadolu Efes will face Barcelona in the final match of Turkish Airlines Euroleague tomorrow, head coach Ergin Ataman and player Shane Larkin made statements at the press conference held before the fight. Reminding that they did not have enough time to rest after the CSKA Moscow game they played last night, Ergin Ataman said, “Both teams played a tough semi-final match. It’s the second final for us. We are tired and we don’t have much time to rest and prepare. We will do our best.” said.
” IT IS NOT IMPORTANT IF I WIN THE EUROLEAGUE AS A TURKISH COACH”
Reminding that Anadolu Efes will be the first Turkish head coach to win the Euroleague cup in the event that it wins tomorrow’s final, Ergin Ataman said, “It does not matter whether I win the Euroleague or not as a Turkish coach. “I believe he will fight his best in the final,” he said.
“EVERYONE COME HERE TO WIN THE CUP”
Expressing that the team that wins the trophy will be decided by the performance of the players in tomorrow’s match, Ataman said, “I can say that every team that advances to the Final-Four feels the same pressure. Everyone came here to win the trophy. This pressure was on us on the first day of the Euroleague. Last year, we were at this level as well. “We deserved to come, but we didn’t have the chance. Because everything was cancelled. There was also pressure in our regular season games against Barcelona. Tomorrow is the last game and the players will decide the result. Which team, which player shows the best will win the trophy.” “Two good teams will be on the park tomorrow,” he said.
“TO ME THE PASSPORT OF THE PLAYER IS NOT IMPORTANT”
Mentioning the performance of the national player Sertaç Şanlı, who has achieved an important breakthrough with his performance this season, Coach Ataman said, “For me, the player’s passport is not important. The past career of the player is not important either. The important thing is the form. Sertaç is in great form. “The top 5 in the team starts and uses their time well. This is also a light for young players. In the past, Turkish teams have generally been successful with foreign players. For me, it doesn’t matter whether the player is Turkish or foreign. Whoever is good plays,” he said.
“LARKIN, I’M SURE TO WIN EUROLEAGUE TOMORROW”
When asked about Anadolu Efes being referred to only as an offensive team, Ergin Ataman gave the following answer:
“Our system is based on our outside players. I have star outside players. Shane Larkin is the best player in the Euroleague in the last 3 seasons. Micic, Beaubois, Simon are also very good. We play fast basketball. I give my players freedom, especially on offense. Everyone thinks we are more of an offensive team, but our offense starts with our defense. We need a good defense to find fast offensive points. You can’t get to this level just if you’re a good offensive team. I’m happy because people enjoy watching our basketball. Yesterday Larkin scored high Couldn’t find him, but I’m sure he’ll be the winner of the Euroleague tomorrow.”
SHANE LARKIN: THE FINAL WILL BE A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE
Sharing his thoughts on the final match tomorrow, Shane Larkin said, “Playing the final match has been our goal since the beginning of the season. We are happy to be here and have this opportunity. The final will be a different experience. The final in 2019 was a very important experience for our team. “We’re grateful that we played. We didn’t win, but it gave us some experience. You have to be in a good mental state to win these kinds of games.”
“THIS SEASON IS THE MOST COMPETITIVE SEASON I HAVE BEEN PART OF”
Stating that the teams competing in the Euroleague had to deal with many situations during the season, Larkin said, “I have been playing in Europe for 4 years. This season has been the most competitive season I have been a part of. The play-off stage was very challenging for all teams. “The final-four was tough for both teams. I expect it to be tough tomorrow as well. Two good teams will fight against each other. Both teams deserve to be here. Tomorrow, both teams will play to become champions.” used the phrases.
“WE HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO BE THE CHAMPION”
Sharing his thoughts on his performance in the CSKA Moscow fight played yesterday, the experienced player said, “It doesn’t need to be Shane Larkin or Anadolu Efes day. We won the match and we came to the final. It doesn’t matter to me whether to score or not. The important thing is to win. “Yesterday’s match was not one of the best matches of my career, but we won the match by fighting as a team. We have one more chance to become champions. I hope we will be champions tomorrow,” he said.
“TOMORROW, I HOPE WE WILL RETURN TO MY GAME AND BE CHAMPIONS”
Stating that Anadolu Efes Head Coach Ergin Ataman has become a better player with the freedom he has given himself on the field, Larkin said, “It is important for every player to know that your coach trusts you. I have been here for three years and I can say that it gives me a lot of confidence. It helps me to improve my game and become the player I am now. “It gives me freedom on the floor. Tomorrow I hope I can go back to my usual game and become champions. At the end of the day, no single player can win the game. All the players on the team have to show their performance. I will try to be aggressive and do my best to show my game and help my team.” .
Sezer AFŞAR / ISTANBUL, (DHA)
