Panathinaikos basketball assistant coach Mike Batiste declared that reaching the top of Europe is the club's ultimate goal for the upcoming season during an interview on the show The Football Show by Stoiximan on protothema.gr.
Speaking about pre-season preparations, Batiste explained that training was progressing positively, though the technical staff were continuing to refine tactical details, player movement and proper spacing before competitive fixtures begin.
Batiste noted that expectations for the Athens club remain high and that intense pressure is always present on their shoulders. He emphasized that everyone at the organisation hopes the campaign will culminate in standing at the pinnacle of European basketball.
Player health and roster depth
Addressing the fitness of star players Kendrick Nunn and Nigel Hayes-Davis, Batiste made it clear that the coaching staff will not rush either player back to action. He stated that both will return to the court only when fully ready.
Batiste highlighted the depth of the Panathinaikos squad, explaining that the coaching staff will rely on the wider roster until Nunn and Hayes-Davis are fit. Once fully recovered, both stars will reintegrate to support the team's ambitions.
Panathinaikos competes in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague, Europe's premier basketball tournament. Nunn, a former NBA guard, and Hayes-Davis are key offensive leaders for the squad.
Rivalry with Olympiacos
Turning to the domestic rivalry with Olympiacos, Batiste praised the quality of the opposing squad and acknowledged them as champions defending their crown. He described Olympiacos as an excellent team.
Despite the tough opposition, Batiste expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming derby clashes. He said both coaches and players are eagerly anticipating the matches, which will allow younger and less experienced players to experience the intensity of the rivalry firsthand.
Coaching reunion and team chemistry
Batiste also spoke about his return to Panathinaikos and his working relationship with head coach Zeljko Obradovic and team legend Dimitris Diamantidis. The three figures previously established a dominant era for the club as player and coaches.
He described it as wonderful to converse together about tactical approaches, points of attention on the floor, and broader topics beyond basketball.
Batiste added that strong chemistry already exists between the coaching staff and the newly arrived players. He expressed complete confidence in the group's trajectory, stating that everything will go well.
Hard work and supporter trust
In closing, Batiste stressed that success would require consistent hard work and perseverance through both good and bad moments during the long season.
He concluded that the honesty between the team and its supporters forms a foundation of trust that will sustain Panathinaikos until the very end of the campaign.
