By Semih Tuna/ STuna@eurohoops.net
For many years, coach Tomislav Mijatovic was the best-kept secret of Anadolu Efes. The longtime assistant of the club was also the face of Efes in the NBA, having contacts on the other side of the Atlantic and knowing the US market like very few in Europe.
So it was only natural for him as a head coach to have the chance the lure NBA talent to an already strong roster with Jordan Nwora and Stanley Johnson stealing the show and former Real Madrid center Vincent Poirier providing a huge boost in the front line.
This didn’t happen by accident and proved beyond any doubt that the former back-to-back champions still have the highest of ambitions. Coach Mitajtovic talked about that, including the wish of coach Ergin Ataman to meet Efes in the Final Four, the addition of big names this summer, and also his personal contacts with Cedi Osman, who unexpectedly ended up signing with Ataman’s Panathinaikos.
EH: When Jordan Nwora arrived, there wasn’t any prior news about his signing. The process progressed very quickly, and most people saw Nwora as a rotation player who could get 15 minutes in the NBA. How did this transfer become possible for you?
“We worked very hard throughout the summer, and it was all thanks to the great support from our president and the management, which allowed us to broaden our horizons and conduct deep analyses and discussions with our friends in the NBA. From our General Manager Alper Yılmaz to the coaching staff, all of us worked very hard to finalize this transfer. We feel very fortunate to have completed it, although, of course, it wasn’t something that happened overnight, even if it may appear that way from the outside. There was a lot of effort behind this transfer, and as I said, there were discussions with our friends in the NBA to make it happen. We’re very happy to have added four new pieces to our puzzle that we believe can contribute to Efes’ culture and goals. The goal of Efes is always the highest.”
EH: Recently, I saw a statement from your fellow countryman Krunoslav Simon who said: “I don’t know why Anadolu Efes didn’t sign Cedi Osman”. I’m not asking about after Jordan Nwora’s signing, but did you have any contact with Cedi Osman before that?
“Cedi and I talked about various things. In fact, we spoke around 10-15 times this summer, either face-to-face or on the phone. I always talk to Cedi, and this summer was no exception. We exchange ideas and share our thoughts about what’s happening. Yes, I was in communication with Cedi during this process. Still, I told him as well, I was surprised that he didn’t sign with an NBA team before. I was sure he would continue in the NBA. While we had already filled our roster and Cedi was still a free agent… As I said, it wasn’t something I expected for him not to stay in the NBA. Nevertheless, it happened, and he signed with Panathinaikos, which, of course, it’s his decision. He went to a great coach and the reigning EuroLeague champion. So, sometimes things like that happen, and (his move to Panathinaikos) wasn’t a surprise to me. The real surprise was that Cedi didn’t sign with an NBA team earlier in the summer.”
EH: When talking about Tibor Pleiss, you mentioned that you’ve had good centers, and then Vincent Poirier arrived…
“Yes, of course. Over the last 8, 9, or 10 years, we’ve been lucky to get great contributions from big men like Tibor Pleiss and Bryant Dunston. Additionally, we felt very good about adding an important piece like Vincent Poirier, who came from Real Madrid and had proven himself in winning puzzles. Not just because of his characteristics but also because we have a young, second-year player with potential and room for growth like Daniel Oturu on the team. Let’s not forget Salih Altuntaş, who’s coming up as an 18-year-old Efes talent. We have a significant tradition of centers at our club, and we will continue to develop and build on this culture. Of course, being able to add a player like Vincent Poirier is incredible—he’s a huge name. We expect him to have the level of impact that we hope for.”
EH: Recently, Ergin Ataman shared a photo that you were in and added, ‘We are waiting for you in the EuroLeague final.’ Ever since Ergin Ataman left Efes, he’s expressed his love for you in almost every interview. What does it feel like to hear such words from a great coach like him?
“I’ve said this many times, it’s not easy to express my love and gratitude toward Coach Ergin in words. It’s not just because of the time we spent together at Efes but also because of the friendship we’ve built afterward and the unconditional support he’s given me. For that, I can never thank him enough”.
“If the prediction he shared in that photo comes true, there probably won’t be many people in the world happier than me. If this happens, I will feel incredibly proud and privileged. Looking back at the support, leadership, and bond we’ve developed with Coach Ergin, it’s something incredible. For this, I will be forever grateful. I’m truly proud to have received this support from such a great and super-successful coach like him.”