By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following up on a request toward supporters of Panathinaikos Aktor concerning the Final Four of the 2024-25 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Ergin Ataman extended a similar promise.
“Of course,” he confirmed intentions on leading the defending champions to the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, “There are no guarantees for any team to reach the Final Four. After this double-game week, we can say more. Keep believing in us. Panathinaikos will reach the Final Four in Abu Dhabi.”
Preparing for the next two-game week of Europe’s premier club continental competition, the three-time champion also shared updates on Kendrick Nunn and Ioannis Papapetrou.
“Kendrick and Ioannis did not practice,” he referred to team training on Monday, “Ioannis has a fever and is hospitalized. With Kendrick, we left him out of practice after his injury. Both are questionable. We will see tomorrow. I am optimistic. I hope both will be available.”
The Greens are set to welcome EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Baskonia in OAKA Altion on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Besides Papapetrou sitting out Round 10 of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL Regular Season and Nunn forced to an early exit due to an injury in his right ankle, Lorenzo Brown also missed the domestic affair on Sunday due to a left hamstring injury. In contrast to his teammates, the 34-year-old guard practiced and was cleared to play against Olimpia Milan.
On the injury list since late October and recovering from recent back surgery, Marius Grigonis remains sidelined.