Panathinaikos coach Zeljko Obradović outlines preseason plan and recalls key former players

Zeljko Obradović, head coach of the Greek basketball club Panathinaikos, discussed the team's upcoming preseason. He noted that the squad has 32 days to prepare for the first official game, including medical examinations, a three‑day training followed by a rest day, and limited time off compared with previous seasons that allowed 75 days of preparation. Obradović emphasized the focus on defense, quick tactical adjustments, and the need to quickly integrate new players such as Ataman, Slouka, Lesor and Nan.

In a separate interview, Obradović recalled memorable former players who shaped his coaching career. He highlighted Dejan Bodiroga for his calm leadership, foreign captain Mike Batiste for his versatile play, Dimitris Diamantidis for his teamwork and self‑less style, Eppe Ounto for his defensive intensity, and Bogdan Bogdanović for his relentless work ethic. The coach stressed the lasting personal relationships and the impact these athletes had on the team's EuroLeague success.