Ergin Ataman

❧

Wikipedia

Ergin Ataman
Ataman in February 2025
Panathinaikos
PositionHead coach
LeagueGreek Basketball League
EuroLeague
Personal information
Born (1966-01-07) January 7, 1966 (age 59)
Istanbul, Turkey
Career information
Playing career1984–1996
Coaching career1996–present
Career history
Coaching
1996–1998Türk Telekom
1999Pınar Karşıyaka
1999–2001Efes Pilsen
2001–2003Montepaschi Siena
2003–2006Ülker
2006–2007Climamio Bologna
2007–2008Beşiktaş
2008–2010Efes Pilsen
2011–2012Beşiktaş
2012–2017Galatasaray
2014–2016Turkey
2017–2023Anadolu Efes
2022–presentTurkey
2023–presentPanathinaikos
Career highlights
As head coach

As assistant coach

Medals
Men's basketball
Head coach for  Turkey
EuroBasket
Silver medal – second place2025 Cyprus–Finland–Poland–Latvia
Ataman in January 2018

Halil Ergin Ataman (born January 7, 1966) is a Turkish professional basketball coach, currently managing Panathinaikos of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the EuroLeague. He is also the head coach of the Turkish national team.

During his playing career which began in 1982, he played for the Eczacıbaşı and Yeşilyurt basketball clubs in the amateur area.

Ataman is considered the most successful coach in Turkish basketball history and one of the most successful coaches in Europe, having won three Euroleague titles (2021, 2022 and 2024). In 2021 and 2022 he won back to back Euroleague titles with Anadolu Efes and in 2024 he won the Euroleague title with Panathinaikos BC in his first year.

Coaching career

Early years

Ataman began his managerial career in Eczacıbaşı Youth Team followed by a stint as the coach of Efes Pilsen Youth Team. Then, he coached the BSL teams Türk Telekom, Pınar Karşıyaka and Efes Pilsen respectively. He was the assistant coach of Turkish national team alongside Ercüment Sunter in EuroBasket 1997 in Spain. Turkey finished the tournament in the 8th place. He spent time at Stanford University in the United States as an observer during the 1998-99 season.

After his return to Europe, he coached the Italian side, Montepaschi Siena, and with the club won the final Saporta Cup in 2002. Subsequently, he joined Ülker; however, he had to quit his job due to personal issues.[1] He stated that his resignation was voluntary.[2] Subsequent to his departure from Ülker he returned to Italy and signed for Climamio Bologna[3][4] and coached there until his return to Turkey as the head coach of Beşiktaş during the 2007–08 season.[5][6]

Beşiktaş Cola Turka

Ataman had a successful season with Beşiktaş which the team achieved EuroCup Quarter Finals held in Turin, Italy; after a stunning undefeated 10 in-a-row win performance in group B.[7] This was the very first time that two Turkish teams played against each other. Beşiktaş lost against Galatasaray Cafe Crown and eliminated in quarters.[8] In the league, team finalized the regular season on top place and been a part of Play-offs.[9] After the elimination of Beşiktaş Cola Turka in the quarters, the declaration was released that Ergin Ataman would stop coaching Beşiktaş Cola Turka.[10]

Efes Pilsen

A week later, he signed a two-year contract with Efes Pilsen, where he had worked from 1999 to 2001.[11] Ataman has reached major achievements in the 2008–09 season by winning Turkish League, Turkish Cup, and Turkish President's Cup championships. On June 4, 2010, he left the Efes Pilsen.[12]

Return to Beşiktaş

He signed a two-years contract with Beşiktaş in the January 2011.[13] In the 2010–11 season, he didn't win the cups with Beşiktaş. And next season, he won the Turkish Cup in February 2012.[14] Subsequently, he won the EuroChallenge title against Élan Chalon in the final on April 29, 2012.[15] And finally, he won the Turkish League championship victory against Anadolu Efes in the playoff finals on June 11, 2012.[16]

Galatasaray Odeabank

He signed a multi-year contract with Galatasaray Odeabank on June 22, 2012.[17] He won the Turkish League championship victory against Banvitspor in the playoff finals on June 15, 2013.

In the beginning of 2014–15 season, Galatasaray struggled financially and eventually in the results. Several players boycotted training and also some were injured, which led to frustration and conflicts in the team.[18] On October 19, 2014, Ataman was involved in the incident with then-Galatasaray player Nolan Smith, who threw the towel while being subbed out from the game against Banvit.[19] The player parted ways with the team the following week.[20] On November 21, 2014, in the press-conference after the EuroLeague game against the Serbian team Crvena zvezda in Istanbul, Ataman got negative publicity in Serbia, for calling 300–400 Zvezda fans Delije the "terrorists". He also stated that they were "attacking our police and our fans with torches and stones" and that he was "worried as a citizen for his and others safety".[21] All these comments came in line with the killing of Crvena zvezda fan by Galatasaray supporters in fan violence before the game.[22] Even Serbian PM Aleksandar Vučić reacted to that comment, saying that "Ataman is no longer welcome in Serbia".[23] Ataman later apologized for his comments, saying that "all the remarks [on Zvezda fans] were made before learning it [that this tragedy occurred before the game]".[24]

On June 6, 2015, he signed a two-year extension with the club, reportedly worth half million euros per season.[25]

On April 27, Ataman's team Galatasaray Odebank defeated Strasbourg in Abdi İpekçi Arena and won the EuroCup title. With this win he reached his 3rd European-wide championship as a head coach.

Anadolu Efes

In December 2017, Ataman signed a contract with Anadolu Efes.

In the 2018–19 season, Ataman led Anadolu Efes to the 2019 EuroLeague Final Four, where they lost in the final game to the CSKA Moscow. On May 23, Ataman signed a two-year contract extension with the Anadolu Efes.[26]

In the 2020–21 season, Ataman won the EuroLeague title where they played with Barcelona in the final game. Ataman became the first Turkish coach who won the EuroLeague title. And next season, he won the Turkish Cup in February 2022.[27]

He won the EuroLeague title for the second time in a row in the final match against Real Madrid in the 2021–22 season.[28]

Panathinaikos

Ataman with Panathinaikos in 2025

On April 21, 2023, Ataman signed a two-year contract with Greek Basket League and EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos, marking a new page in his career. The deal was made official on June 20, 2023.[29]

On 17 November 2023 against Virtus Bologna, he reached 200 career wins in the EuroLeague.

In the 2023-24 season, Ataman and Panathinaikos finished in the 2nd place in the Euroleague Regular Season (23W-11L) and secured the home court advantage for the Playoffs, where they eliminated Maccabi Tel Aviv with a score of 3-2 and led Panathinaikos to the Final Four in Berlin for the first time after an absence of twelve years.

He won Panathinaikos' seventh EuroLeague title and the first one since 2011, facing Real Madrid in the final where the "Greens" dominated the second half against Real Madrid for an 80-95 victory in Berlin and managed to win the Euroleague title in his first season as the head coach.

On July 23, 2024, Ataman officially renewed his contract with the reigning EuroLeague champions through 2027.

On September 24, 2024 at the end of friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray Ataman rose his hand gesturing the score 3-1, which was the result in the last football derby score between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. This gesture led Fenerbahce to announce it will not send players to the national team as long as he is on the bench.[30][31]

On February 16, 2025, Panathinaikos won the Greek Cup, beating their archrival Olympiacos in the Final.[32]

National team

Ataman was appointed head coach of the Turkish national team on 25 March 2014. Ataman's leadership of the national team resulted in a second-place finish in the group stage of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with the United States taking the top spot. In the Round of 16, Turkey narrowly secured a victory over Australia[33] but were subsequently eliminated by Lithuania in the quarterfinals.

At the EuroBasket 2015, Turkey with Ataman attained fourth position in their group, achieving a tie with Spain and Italy in terms of points, closely behind Serbia. Then, the team was defeated by France with a score of 76–53 in the quarter-finals. In the end of tournament, Ataman announced his resignation from the national team on 31 August 2016.[34]

On 16 April 2022, Ataman resumed his position as head coach of the Turkish national basketball team. In his second term in this post, his team has achieved a second-place finish in the group stage of the EuroBasket 2022, closely following Spain. In the last 16, they were defeated by France with a score of 87–86 in overtime. Ataman said that "I don’t know what to say really. I’m so mad. I’m so sad. I can’t find any nice words. Sorry about it. I don’t remember a game like this" after match, in the press conference.[35]

In the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, after successful group and qualifying stages, they lost to Croatia with a score of 84-71 in the final, on 20 August 2023, resulting in their inability to qualify for the Olympic Games.[36]

Under the leadership of Coach Ataman, Turkey successfully secured a spot in the EuroBasket 2025 after the Pre-Qualifiyng group matches. In this tournament, Turkey achieved an undefeated record until progressing to the final. The team, which reached the final for the second time in European Basketball Championship history since 2001, lost to Germany and finished second, winning the silver medal. Ataman was awarded the title of best coach at the tournament.[37] Despite winning silver medal, he expressed his disappointment for the result and said that "the silver medal after so many years is, of course, a great achievement. The Turkish nation is proud of these guys. However, I am deeply saddened."[38]

Coaching record

Legend
G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win-loss %

Note: The EuroLeague is not the only competition in which the team played during the season. He also coached in domestic competition, and regional competition if applicable.

EuroLeague

Team Year G W L W–L% Result
Montepaschi 2002–03 221111.500Won in 3rd place game
Ülker 2003–04 1367.462Eliminated in Top 16 stage
Ülker 2004–05 221012.455Eliminated in quarterfinals
Ülker 2005–06 19613.316Eliminated in Top 16 stage
Bologna 2006–07 1459.357Eliminated in regular season
Efes Pilsen 2008–09 1046.400Eliminated in regular season
Efes Pilsen 2009–10 16610.375Eliminated in Top 16 stage
Galatasaray 2013–14 271314.481Eliminated in quarterfinals
Galatasaray 2014–15 24618.250Eliminated in Top 16 stage
Galatasaray 2016–17 301119.367Eliminated in regular season
Anadolu Efes 2017–18 18414.222Eliminated in regular season
Anadolu Efes 2018–19 372413.649Lost in the final game
Anadolu Efes 2019–20 28244.857Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Anadolu Efes 2020–21 412714.659Won EuroLeague Championship
Anadolu Efes 2021–22 342113.618Won EuroLeague Championship
Anadolu Efes 2022–23 341717.500Eliminated in regular season
Panathinaikos 2023–24 412813.683Won EuroLeague Championship
Panathinaikos 2024–25 412516.610Lost in 3rd place game
Career471248223.527

Domestic Leagues

Team Year G W L W–L% Result
Anadolu Efes 2017–18 362511.694Lost 2018 Turkish League Semifinals
Anadolu Efes 2018–19 40346.850Won 2019 Turkish League Finals
Anadolu Efes 2019–20 23212.913Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Anadolu Efes 2020–21 38371.974Won 2021 Turkish League Finals
Anadolu Efes 2021–22 422913.690Lost 2022 Turkish League Finals
Anadolu Efes 2022–23 39309.769Won 2023 Turkish League Finals
Career21817642.807

Achievements

Personal life

Ataman graduated from Italian High School in Istanbul. Then he was accepted by Istanbul University, where he studied at Business Administration Department. He is married to Berna Ataman and has a son named Sarp. In addition to his native Turkish, Ataman also speaks Italian and English.

Ataman is a fan and member of Galatasaray and enjoys a high status among their fans. The fans of Galatasaray call him “İmparator” because of his leadership style and aura, which means “Emperor” in Turkish.

From 2020 to 2021, Ataman was a shareholder of Basket Torino, a team competing in the Italian Serie A2 Basket.[39]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ergin Ataman istifa etti" (in Turkish). sporx.com. 2006-03-27. Retrieved 2008-05-09.[permanent dead link]
  2. ↑ "Ergin Ataman istifa etti" (in Turkish). sabah.com.tr. 2006-03-28. Archived from the original on 2012-01-14. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  3. ↑ "Ergin Ataman Bologna'da" (in Turkish). ntvmsnbc.com. 2006-11-17. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  4. ↑ "Şampiyonluk Yaşamaya Geldim" (in Turkish). turkishny.com. 2009-03-05. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  5. ↑ "Ergin Ataman Beşiktaş'ta" (in Turkish). haber3.com. Archived from the original on 2007-05-19. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  6. ↑ "Beşiktaş Cola Turka Ergin Ataman'la Anlaştı" (in Turkish). tbl.org.tr. 2007-06-13. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  7. ↑ "Beşiktaş Cola Turka ULEB Cup'da Yenilgisiz Tek Takım (77-76)" (in Turkish). haber34.com. 2008-01-09. Archived from the original on 2008-10-11. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  8. ↑ "Beşiktaş Cola Turka: 60 Galatasaray Cafe Crown: 61" (in Turkish). hurriyet.com.tr. 2008-04-10. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  9. ↑ "Lider işi Uzattı" (in Turkish). hurriyet.com.tr. 2008-04-28. Archived from the original on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  10. ↑ "Beşiktaş'ta Ataman dönemi bitti" (in Turkish). ntvspor.net. 2008-05-27. Retrieved 2008-05-28.[permanent dead link]
  11. ↑ "Ergin Ataman resmen Efes'te" (in Turkish). ntvspor.net. 2008-05-29. Retrieved 2008-05-30.[permanent dead link]
  12. ↑ Ergin Ataman left the Efes Pilsen Archived 2014-09-03 at the Wayback Machine (in Turkish)
  13. ↑ Ergin Ataman signed with Beşiktaş Archived 2011-01-09 at the Wayback Machine (in Turkish)
  14. ↑ Beşiktaş Milangaz won the Turkish Cup (in Turkish)
  15. ↑ Beşiktaş Milangaz win Eurochallenge 2012
  16. ↑ Beşiktaş Milangaz won the Turkish League (in Turkish)
  17. ↑ Galatasaray announced Ergin Ataman
  18. ↑ "Rasulo u Galati – sukob na treningu". b92.net (in Serbian). Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  19. ↑ Kalaf, Samer. "Nolan Smith Throws Towel While Walking To Bench, Infuriates Coach". deadspin.com. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  20. ↑ "Nolan Smith leaves Galatasaray". sportando.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  21. ↑ "Ataman: Navijači Zvezde – teroristi". b92.net (in Serbian). Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  22. ↑ "Serbian fan killed in Istanbul Euroleague violence: consul". Reuters. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  23. ↑ "Ataman nije dobrodošao u Srbiju". b92.net (in Serbian). Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  24. ↑ "Ataman: Nisam znao za ubistvo". b92.net (in Serbian). Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  25. ↑ "Ergin Ataman signs a two-year, €1M contract with Galatasaray". sportando.com. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  26. ↑ "Efes re-signs Coach Ataman". euroleague.net. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  27. ↑ "Micic leads Efes past Fenerbahce, raising the Turkish Cup". basketnews.com. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  28. ↑ "Anadolu Efes takes down Real to win back-to-back EuroLeague title!". Eurohoops. 2022-05-21. Retrieved 2022-05-21.
  29. ↑ "Two-time EuroLeague champ Ergin Ataman takes charge at Panathinaikos". EuroLeague. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  30. ↑ "Tension between Fenerbahce fans and Ergin Ataman in the EuroLeague hotel". Eurohoops. 2024-05-22. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  31. ↑ "The joy created by Ergin Ataman has turned into a crisis! Fenerbahçe is not sending players to the national team". 2024.
  32. ↑ Kostas Sloukas leads Panathinaikos to Greek Cup triumph over Olympiacos
  33. ↑ "World Cup basketball: Turkey narrowly defeat Australia". Anatolian Agency. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Ergin Ataman steps down from the Turkish national side to focus on Galatasaray". Talkbasket.net (Aug 31, 2016). Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Ergin Ataman: "It's the worst emotional loss in my 26 years career"". Eurohoops.net (Sep. 10, 2022). Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Turkiye vs Croatia". FIBA (Feb. 23, 2023).
  37. ↑ "Ataman named Best Coach of FIBA EuroBasket 2025". FIBA. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Ergin Ataman promises future EuroBasket championship to Turkish fans". Eurohoops.net. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Ergin Ataman is one of the new owners of Reale Mutua Torino". Sportando. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2025.