Obradovic Says Datome Drew Him Back to Basketball

Panathinaikos coach Zeljko Obradovic said on Monday that former player Gigi Datome played a role in bringing him back onto the court after a long break from basketball. Speaking at a press conference, Obradovic recalled that he had not been involved with basketball since November and had returned to the game only about 20 days ago.

Obradovic said he was in Italy when Datome asked him to run a clinic for children there. “It was special, this was my first time on the court since I left Partizan. It was very special for me,” he said. “That feeling is amazing, when I am on the court and something drives me, I am the happiest man in the world.”

The newly appointed Panathinaikos coach added that he expects to feel that way whenever he works with his players. He said the team had achieved success in the past because it was united, but now must focus on the future. “We will work like a family and respect each other, that is the biggest key for me,” he said.