Olimpia: Ataman Option Rejected in Turkey

Ergin Ataman on the Olimpia Milano bench? The renowned Turkish coach is currently without a team, and the Milan-based squad’s current struggles—coming off five straight EuroLeague losses—could suggest a possible approach should Peppe Poeta leave. At the moment, there has been no contact between Olimpia and the coach who has won three EuroLeagues, but the topic is being discussed in Turkey.

However, former Turkish star Ibrahim Kutluay doesn’t share this view; on the Socrates Dergi program, he flatly ruled out the possibility of Ataman coming to Italy.

“Ergin is a free agent right now, but the important thing is to understand which project he’ll choose. Looking at how Milan’s roster is built, it doesn’t seem like a setting particularly in line with his preferences.”

According to Kutluay, Ataman “has no need to take over once the season is already underway. Besides, he’s a coach who builds his system around two strong point guards. Milan doesn’t have a dominant rotation in that area of the court. Would he accept the job? Personally, I don’t think so.”