By Bahadir Akgun/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes coach Ergin Ataman believes that the EuroLeague Basketball organization won’t be considered reliable anymore if the 2020-2021 season isn’t concluded.
“If EuroLeague can’t complete this season, they will not have any credibility,” Ataman said in a presser during Efes’ Media Day ahead of the new EuroLeague season.
The 2020-2021 EuroLeague will be launched on October 1st. The organization is expected to finalize the COVID-19 safety protocols next week after receiving full feedback from the clubs.
“The EuroLeague has a huge audience around the world. If the season is not completed, it loses its credibility,” Ataman added. “So I think they will definitely try to complete this season.”
Ataman’s comments are similar to what CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin mentioned on how critical it is for EuroLeague to finish the season properly. “If for some reason the season is not completed, we risk losing the entire tournament,” Vatutin told Russian media.
“I agree with Vatutin too,” Ataman said while describing EuroLeague’s decision to cancel 2019-2020 as “unfortunate.” Ataman’s Efes was first in the EuroLeague standings when the competition shut down the previous season.
Photo: Anadolu Efes