After three years on the bench of Panathinaikos BC, Ergin Ataman is leaving the club.

The decision was made following his meeting with Dimitris Giannakopoulos.

The Turkish coach arrived in Greece in the summer of 2023, ushering in a new era for Panathinaikos, a club determined to return to the top level of European basketball after several difficult years.

He succeeded immediately. In his very first season, Ataman led Panathinaikos to its seventh EuroLeague title, defeating Real Madrid Baloncesto in the Berlin final. He also guided the team to the Greek championship and added two Greek Cups to the trophy cabinet, as well as a Final Four appearance in Abu Dhabi the following season.

However, this year’s failure to reach the Final Four and the loss of the Greek league title in a dramatic finals series against Olympiacos B.C. ultimately led to his departure.

Ataman’s Farewell

At the end of the tribute video, Ataman offered an emotional goodbye:

“Thank you, Mr. Giannakopoulos. I truly had an amazing time in Athens and in this wonderful country. I am proud to have worked for Panathinaikos and the Giannakopoulos family. And of course, I am proud to have won these four trophies over the last three years, especially the EuroLeague title.

I will remember these days for the rest of my life—the incredible fans and the tremendous support from the Panathinaikos family.

I am also proud of my efforts to contribute to the relationship between Turkey and Greece. And I am very happy about all the friends I have made here in Greece—not only Panathinaikos supporters, but fans of many other teams as well.”

Giannakopoulos’ Tribute

Giannakopoulos responded warmly:

“Thank you for your kind words. It was a dream to work with Ergin. He was, is, and always will be my favorite person in European basketball. That will never change.

I had a dream. After my father and uncle stepped away, I wanted to bring a European title back to Panathinaikos. We were 17th, second from last in the EuroLeague.

I was sitting in Sounion thinking about how I could bring Ergin to Panathinaikos.

The first year I invited him to the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament. The second year as well. After some conversations, good food, calamari, and syrtaki, I convinced the best coach to come to Panathinaikos!

He proved it. He took us from 17th place to the top of Europe in just one year.

In the following years we kept fighting because both of us are fighters. We fought against the ‘system.’ I am very proud of these four titles. I believe that without the obstacles we faced, there would have been even more.

But we are still young, and as long as we have our health, you never know what the future may bring.

Ergin, thank you very much.”

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Contacts with Obradovic

With Ataman’s departure, the major question is who will replace him.

According to reports—which have not been confirmed by either side—Zeljko Obradovic may be closer than ever to returning to Panathinaikos. The Serbian coach is reportedly no longer with KK Partizan after stepping down following a defeat to Panathinaikos in Athens.

More than thirteen years after leaving the club, “Žoc” remains revered by Panathinaikos fans. Many believe that his return could help supporters move past this season’s disappointment and provide a renewed vision for the coming campaign.