Mike Batiste returned to the Telekom Center, this time in a different role, but with the same green spirit that has connected him to Panathinaikos for years.
The “Greens’” iconic center is now a member of Zeljko Obradovic’s coaching staff and spoke about his return to Athens, his collaboration with his former coach, the changes at the arena, and the new team’s ambitious goals.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
For Batiste, the return wasn’t just a professional decision. It was a return to a place that shaped his life and career. As he explained, Greece is where he grew as a person, and the love and support he received from the Panathinaikos fans is something he has never forgotten.
At the same time, the American spoke about the club’s new era, the impressive look of the renovated indoor arena, and his reunion with the people with whom he made history. The goal, as he made clear, is not simply nostalgia for the past, but the creation of new successes.
He made special mention of the phone call from Obradović, who spoke to him about the “family” of Panathinaikos, as well as the experience he gained during his twelve years in the NBA, which he now wants to bring to the team.
Finally, he also spoke about Gershon Yabusele and Matías Lesor, the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” Tournament, the support he’s asking for from the fans, and, of course, the big dream of an eighth European title, while comparing the 2009 team to the current one.
Here’s what he said in detail:
On his return to Greece and the fans’ support:
“Family, love, support. When people ask me about my experience here in Greece or with Panathinaikos, I say that I had unwavering support here. And I think that’s what I missed while I was back in the U.S. The endless support, the love I received. But now that I’m back, I hope that can be reignited and that we can make it happen.”
On his first feeling upon returning to Athens:
“That I’m home. This is where I spent my younger years. I grew up here, I became a man here, I learned a lot about life here, and I took those lessons back home with me—for myself and my family. We still live by those values even today. That’s definitely something I’ve missed. When I landed in Athens, that was the first thing that came to mind. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m still processing it all. I feel a little like I’m in a dream.”
On what Panathinaikos means to him:
“It’s simply about winning titles. Tradition, history—everything I mentioned earlier. Everything Panathinaikos stands for. Every year, the team fights for the top spot in Europe, and that’s what we’ll do this year, too.”
On the new OAKA:
“The truth is, it’s very different! Even this area where we’re sitting now wasn’t used back then. You look around and you really like the way it’s been designed and the experience the fans will have. From the Glassfloor to the green seats in the arena, everything is new, everything is fresh. It’s amazing. The OAKA is truly beautiful.”
On reuniting with Obradović, Diamantidis, and Alvertis:
“Everyone keeps saying it’s a reunion, which is true in many ways. But at the end of the day, we all know why we’re here. And that’s to add more titles to our trophy case. That’s our main job. And then everything else will fall into place on its own.”
On Obradović’s first phone call:
“He told me, ‘Look, Mike, we want our family close to us, and you’re a big part of that family. We need as many people from our family around us as possible so we can have a really good year.” I wouldn’t say it was an easy decision. You have to sit down and really think it through. Once I made my decision, everything was very easy.”
On his experience in the NBA:
“I’ve been in the NBA for the past 12 years and have learned a lot by working with many different cultures. The experience I’ve gained is invaluable. I want to bring that quality here. I’ve always been a coach open to learning new things. I’ll always maintain that mindset and be the best version of myself every day, in every meeting, practice, and game.”
On Yabusele and Lesor:
“This is something that really excites me. I respect these players because I’ve watched them play and seen how they’ve developed. Basketball is our common ground. Whenever they want to sit down and talk, I’ll never say, ‘I don’t have time.’ I always have time for the players. I’ll learn a lot from them, and they’ll learn a lot from me. That’s what basketball is all about.”
On the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” Tournament:
“It’s a great honor. For the past seven years, I’ve watched it on TV. I’ve received invitations in the past, but due to my schedule, it wasn’t possible for me to come. Being here for the first time—and as a coach on the bench, no less—is something I’m really looking forward to. The memory of Pavlos Giannakopoulos remains alive in the history of Panathinaikos.”
On his message to the fans and the 8th star:
“Just keep supporting us. It’s going to be a challenging year. This roster is ready to compete for everything, but there will always be difficulties along the way. As long as you continue to support us and stand by our side 1,000%, we’ll reach the common goal we all want: the eighth star, the Greek championship—everything.”
On the choice between Panathinaikos 2009 and Panathinaikos 2026:
“I’d say us, the 2009 team. And the only reason I say that is because the 2026 team hasn’t yet proven what it can achieve. We haven’t played a single game yet, and we haven’t seen the final result. Once we see it, then we can make the comparison. But until then, I’ll always choose the 2009 team.”
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*photo source: Panathinaikos BC
