Juancho Hernangómez discusses Ergin Ataman’s coaching methods

Basketball player Juancho Hernangómez has shared insights into his time playing under coach Ergin Ataman at Panathinaikos, describing the coach’s high-pressure methods. Hernangómez noted that while he did not always agree with Ataman’s approach, the coach’s tactic of using public criticism to motivate players was effective.

He recalled a specific incident following a loss to Barcelona in late 2023, when Ataman publicly criticized his performance. Driven by a desire to prove himself after the public remarks, Hernangómez pushed himself so intensely during training that he suffered a broken finger. He admitted that the injury required surgery and never fully healed, but he ultimately acknowledged that the pressure helped his professional evolution.