An official return to action with Zoc and dreams of the top! Panathinaikos is the first Greek team to jump into the fray of this year’s EuroLeague, as it faces off against Paris tonight at 9:15 p.m. at the Telekom Center Athens, looking to get off to a strong start in this year’s marathon!
The atmosphere within the “clover” ranks is refreshed and uplifting, following the beautiful and deeply moving 8th “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” tournament—a beautiful and emotionally charged event—which went to Panathinaikos after an epic showdown against PAOK. The Greek Cup champions, following the Rhodes tournament where they defeated AEK and Spartak Subotica, showed—despite their absences—promising signs against Burg and “the Double-Headed Eagle.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Right from the start, Branko Badio, Silven Francisco, and Isaac Bonga showed that they have a lot to offer. Zeliko Obradovic will not have Kendrick Nunn, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Mustafa Fall, and Kostas Sloukas at his disposal due to injuries. On the other hand, as he himself confirmed, Nikos Rogavopoulos will be available as usual for the game.
“The situation during preseason was what it was. We had quite a few injured players. Some were playing for their national teams. But we were doing well. In the friendlies, I’m very happy with the way they fought, and that’s what matters most. We need to keep working.
All together, we had about 10 practices. No one is 100% ready. We have games ahead of us, and the players would rather play than train,” said Zeljko Obradović.
On the other side, a team that has handed Panathinaikos an equal number of losses at the Telekom Center Athens over the past two seasons. For Paris, this season brings several changes, with seven—so far—new additions to the roster. However, the retention of Ife, who is the cornerstone of the perimeter, is the club’s greatest success.
On the other hand, the team’s second-leading scorer, Justin Robinson, has left. Maxime Lefevre’s team traveled to Athens without any issues and is ready to make it three wins in a row on the “Greens’” home court.
The refereeing trio for the game will consist of Emilio Pérez, Manuel Atard, and Edward Udianski.
*photo source: KYPE
