By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos and Israeli national team head coach Oded Kattash commented on the FIBA’s Qualifying Windows and the conflicting schedule with EuroLeague, calling for a solution between the two sides.
Kattash’s position on the matter is the following, as he stated it after the Greek League win of Panathinaikos over Aris Thessaloniki: “I’ve been a coach with Israel for four years. I understand the EuroLeague schedule. But to be the coach of the national team is very special for everyone. And for the people. We all want to see the best. I haven’t completely understood the issue between the two [FIBA and EuroLeague]. A way must be found for an agreement on the schedule by both of them. We see that we can manage it to some degree. I hope that the whole matter isn’t about politics. A way must be found for EuroLeague players to participate as well. It will be very good for basketball. It’s not a big deal if we don’t play on Friday for two weeks [in EuroLeague]. The coronavirus showed that we can do achieve it.”
While coach Kattash oversimplifies the scheduling conflict and not playing for two Fridays doesn’t really solve much, he joins Anadolu Efes coach Ergin Ataman who also asked for a solution to the issue of the EuroLeague players’ participation in FIBA Windows.