EuroLeague Preview: Win-or-bust expectations for new look Panathinaikos
EuroLeague Preview: Win-or-bust expectations for new look Panathinaikos
AGONAsport’s Peter Katsiris previews the upcoming EuroLeague season from a Panathinaikos perspective as the Trifylli aim to end a seven-year title drought…
Panathinaikos might be the most successful side in the EuroLeague since the start of the modern final four era at the start of the 1987/1988 season, but the Trifylli haven’t triumphed in Europe in seven years – a trend that will need to change as the club prepare to celebrate their centennial anniversary.
In fact, since their last title triumph in Barcelona during the 2010/2011 season, Panathinaikos have reached the final four just once as the Trifylli have become perennial underachievers on the continent despite unmatched success domestically in Greece.
Last season’s run to the playoffs seemed to be the most promising performance from Panathinaikos in Europe for the better part of the last decade, but the Trifylli ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 series defeat to eventual champions Real Madrid.
For the passionate Panathinaikos fanbase, it wasn’t the fact that the club lost to Real Madrid in the playoffs rather the fashion of the Athenians’ downfall was the most frustrating part of last season’s collapse. After a late surge in the regular season to clinch home court advantage, Panathinaikos surged to a 1-0 series lead against the Spanish giants before losing three games on the trot on route to yet another layoff round exit.
Despite extending their title drought to seven seasons, the conversation in Athens wasn’t focused on the club’s shortcomings on the European stage. Instead, the main focus in Athens was the saga between Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos and EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu – a feud that not only seemed to distract the club all season but also covered up the underachievement of yet another playoff round elimination.
Fast forward to the 2018/2019 season and an apparent end to the saga between Panathinaikos and the EuroLeague brass, and it seems the Trifylli are poised for their best run in the EuroLeague since 2011.
Despite losing key players like Chris Singleton and Mike James this offseason, Panathinaikos have managed to reinforce their starting lineup with the acquisition of stars like Ioannis Papapetrou, Deshaun Thomas, and proven EuroLeague scorer Keith Langford. Add to the fact that Panathinaikos were able to extend Nick Calathes’ stay in Athens and the Trifylli’s starting lineup appears to be the most impressive in the EuroLeague.
Xavi Pascual will, of course, need more than just his starters to steer the club to European glory, but the Spanish head coach won’t be short of any support off the bench as the club continue to employ Nikos Pappas and Lukas Lekavicius as options for the backcourt while the summer acquisitions of Stephane Lasme and Georgios Papagiannis gives the club incredible depth down low.
While it remains to be seen how this blend of new and old faces will mesh on the European stage, optimism in the Greek capital is at an all-time high heading into the new EuroLeague season as Panathinaikos open as the bookmakers’ fourth favourite to win the EuroLeague.
The demanding Panathinaikos fanbase will certainly be supportive of their side, but the added pressure of such lofty expectations has also hindered the club in recent seasons. Despite all the question marks at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall, one thing for certain is that there will be severe repercussions if the club fail to live up to expectations.
by Peter Katsiris
Image Source: sdna.gr
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