Ataman: “We won with Sluka’s clever play, Hernangometh will be in action for Villeurbanne”

Kendrick Nan and Dinos Mitoglou were the standout scorers in Panathinaikos AKTOR’s 97-85 win over PAOK, but Ergin Ataman gave credit to Kostas Sloukas (11 points, 9 assists) and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis (10 points, 3 rebounds). At the same time, the Turkish coach said that Juancho Hernagomet will be included in the green team for the away game against Villeurbanne (December 14, 10:00 p.m.) in the EuroLeague.

In detail, Coach Ataman noted:

“After a double game day in the EuroLeague, the league games are always difficult. We started with a low tempo, we were soft and so PAOK found a rhythm and confidence. I think that from the moment Slukas and Balcherovski stepped on the court we started playing a lot better. Kalaitzakis did a good job defending and surprising. We were in control in the second half. We lost our balance a bit in the last half, but with Sluka’s clever play we immediately found a way to win and it was a clean win.

I hope that we will also have Grigonis and Hernangomet in the game against Willemrpan. Juancho has already returned and trained with the team and will be in the squad for the game. As for Grigonis, I don’t think he has anything serious. I hope he recovers because he is a very important player for us, especially until Papapetrou comes back. “Also, Kalaitzakis, who played a very good game today, could get some minutes in the EuroLeague because he gave us confidence today.”