By Anil Can Sedef/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes forward James Anderson believes that his head coach Ergin Ataman could be a fit for the bench of an NBA team.
“He definitely has the mentality for it [becoming an assistant coach on an NBA team) and the approach,” Anderson told Eurohoops. “As to how he sees the game and how he lets his players be creative.
“It’s [an NBA job] definitely something he could pursue,” Anderson added. “For us, he’s a positive force. He gets the best out of each and every one of us. The way he approaches the game, we feed off of it.”
Anderson and Efes are currently preparing for the EuroLeague Final Four (17/5-19/5) that is held in Vitoria, Spain. It will mark the Turkish team’s return to the tournament for the first time after a 19-year-absence.
“There will be more to come. We did this year with a new group of guys. Everything from here will go up. It’s a positive moment for the club and the fans. It’s definitely up from here,” Anderson commented.
Perhaps the Final Four will bring the beginning of a
“Definitely we could be,” Anderson said. “You look at teams like Fenerbahce Beko or Real Madrid, these are teams that keep a core of guys together. And these are the teams that usually have the most success. For us, we did it really fast, having a new team. If we keep this team and the core together I think we’ll definitely be a dynasty.”
Speaking of Fenerbahce, Efes is going to face its fellow Turkish powerhouse in the EuroLeague semifinal. It’s a team that Anderson and his teammates have faced numerous times this season and have beaten thrice thus far.
“We know them very well. Their biggest strength is how they well they execute their plays. They have high-level guards and experienced guys. They’ve been in this level many times and they know what it takes [to do so]. It’s going to be a competitive match against two Turkish teams that want to go to the Final.”
Fener carries an experience of four straight Final Four, plus winning the title in 2017. It’s may be an advantage for them, but Anderson is confident of his team’s chances.
“We are a good team as well. Full of talent and we have a great roster. Our game plan and what we want to do strategic-wise plays a part. But at the end of the day, it just fighting and about who wants it the most.”
“We have to be ugly. And gritty. We will approach the game with this kind of mentality,’ Anderson said.