Defeating Olimpia Milano 75-70 in the fourth match of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-Off, Anadolu Efes made it 3-1 in the series and advanced to the Final Four. The defending champion Anadolu Efes was able to qualify for the EuroLeague Final Four for the third time in a row. After the match, Anadolu Efes Head Coach Ergin Ataman made a statement to the press. Stating that he is proud of his team for their struggle, Ergin Ataman said, “I am proud of my team. This team has been at the top of basketball in Europe for the 4th year. This team made Istanbul, Turkey, youth and children love the pinnacle of basketball. The basketball played here, I’m sure the kids are in Turkey.” he buys more balls, gets more uniforms, wants to play basketball more in sports schools and basketball schools. The basis of this is the enthusiasm of Anadolu Efes. It is not easy, staying at the top for 4 years in a row. I congratulate my team for that. “Tonight, we played sold out for the 10th time in a row. We couldn’t find tickets for many of our friends. I congratulate and thank the players for this support. The players are fighting hard. Finally, we got what we wanted, we came to the Final-Four. It’s 2”.
“WE ARE VERY CONFIDENT IN OURSELVES AS A TEAM”
Stating that Beaubois and Simon are important players of the team, but he never resorted to the excuse of injury, Ataman said, “This is my philosophy. There is nothing we can do about injured players, but we will not leave the match, the series. Beaubois and Simon are two very important players of this team in rotation. We trusted our players. In this series, Pleiss got matched. In the previous match, Larkin played in the last 10 minutes. Tonight, Larkin could not step in, but Micic took his place. We are very confident as a team. We will go to the Final-Four with this confidence. Now let them wait for us Let’s see. There are some teams that we lost before. We are coming there. This time it will be different. We will not give up the championship last season,” he said.
“LET’S SHOW THE STRENGTH OF TURKS IN BELGRADE”
Asking the fans for support in Belgrade, Ataman said, “Career is taking off. There is not much to say about career. The important thing is that this team is coming there. Anadolu Efes is making serious investments in basketball. To be able to keep this team in these economic conditions, to keep it for 4 years in a row. It is very difficult. But we represent Turkey, the Turkish Flag. We are a Turkish team. Yes, our foreign players are dominant, but our Turkish players are also Sertaç last year, Buğrahan from time to time this year, Larkin is the main player of our national team. We are there As a Turkish coach, we are trying to make Turkey feel this pride. Career is not important for him. The important thing is that this team will win the championship once again at the top. 19-21 May Belgrade is close, there is no visa. It looks like Olympiakos will be in the semi-finals. “Many fans from Athens will come there. We are waiting for our supporters in Turkey as well. Let’s show the power of the Turks in Belgrade,” he said.
“WE GET AWESOME SUPPORT”
Pointing out that the fans create a great atmosphere, the experienced head coach said, “The atmosphere is magnificent. The last 3 months are magnificent. We have received great support. Everyone comes here from the heart. There is a very nice atmosphere. There is not the slightest bad cheer. There is instant intervention. There are fans who live basketball completely. “I thank them all,” he said.
