Željko Obradović reaffirms Panathinaikos family ethos amid new signings and player refusals

Željko Obradović has returned to coach Panathinaikos after a 14‑year absence and emphasizes that the club operates like a family. In interviews he stressed that "the team is more important than any individual" and thanked the Janakopulos family for their support, recalling the warm reception of about 5,000 fans at his contract signing.

Obradović highlighted recent roster upgrades, including the arrivals of Isaac Bonga, Gerșon Jabusele, Branko Badio and Mustafa Fal, and expressed confidence that the squad can compete in the EuroLeague. He also praised the club’s upgraded facilities and professional staff.

Separately, Spanish guard Riki Rubio turned down a €900,000 offer from Panathinaikos, choosing to stay with his current team rather than pursue a higher salary, underscoring the club’s financial muscle but also its challenge in attracting players.

Overall, the coach’s vision and the club’s ambitious signings signal Panathinaikos’s intent to contend domestically and in European competition.