By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Croatian coach Aco Petrovic believes that the return of forward Mario Hezonja to Panathinaikos this summer is more than likely.
“I think that if the ‘love call’ of Panathinaikos is the way it’s announced, I expect him [Hezonja] there,” Petrovic, currently the coach of Brazil, said to the About Everything and Nothing podcast, per Telesport. Hezonja played for Panathinaikos in 2021 in his return to Europe from the NBA and is a well-known supporter of the club.
Petrovic, who coached Hezonja with the Croatian national team in the 2016 Olympic Games, explained why he considers Panathinaikos a better fit for Hezonja compared to Real Madrid, where the player spent the last two seasons.
“The Real Madrid leaders to talk to him every day,” Petrovic said. “Real’s problem is another, it’s too big of a roster. 15 players. He can’t get the minutes he wants, as well as the role. At Panathinaikos, there’s a lot more space at the “3” and the “4” positions and that can be an advantage. He would go back to where he started, he’s adored there.”
Hezonja is entering offseason as one of the most coveted free agents. The 29-year-old player been already been linked to former team Barcelona while there were some reports that he has agreed to an extension with Real. He refuted these reports a few days ago.
After winning the ACB championship, Hezonja hinted at a potential stay with Real, saying “I am extremely sorry that we lost in the EuroLeague final. Because of that, I would like to give back to Real Madrid and their fans. I hope that in the coming years we will win many more trophies.”
In 202-23, Hezonja averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in the EuroLeague as the Spanish side made the Final yet failed to defend the title vs. Panathinaikos.