After a hard-fought quarterfinal victory against Anadolu Efes, Panathinaikos Athen is setting its sights on the EuroLeague Final Four – and could have a key player back in the lineup. Coach Ergin Ataman is optimistic that Mathias Lessort will be ready to play in Abu Dhabi.
Panathinaikos is in the EuroLeague Final Four after a dramatic five-game thriller against Anadolu Efes – and the fans’ anticipation is being fueled by positive personnel news. Head coach Ergin Ataman said after the decisive victory that he expects center Mathias Lessort to return. “I expect Mathias Lessort to play in the Final Four,” Ataman said. “He hasn’t trained with the team yet, but he’s working very well.”
Lessort missed much of the season for Panathinaikos due to a broken leg. Nevertheless, the team fought its way into the top four in Europe. “We played three quarters of the season without the best center in Europe – and we’re still in the Final Four. That’s a huge achievement for us,” Ataman continued. “But we need him there. I hope he’ll be with the team by then.”
Ataman comments on Osman’s celebration
In addition to Lessort, Ataman also commented on the scene involving Cedi Osman, which caused a stir during Game 5 against Anadolu Efes. Osman, captain of the Turkish national team, celebrated emotionally after scoring a basket against his former team Efes – and was met with incomprehension from some fans. Ataman made it clear: “I don’t think he was disrespectful. He just fought with all his passion for his team to win.”
