Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Return of Legendary Coach Obradović

Basketball legend Željko Obradović made a triumphant return to Panathinaikos Athens, receiving a hero's welcome from 20,000 fans before his team's EuroLeague opener against Paris. The reception, described as that of a rock star, signaled the "king's" return to a club where he previously spent 13 years, transforming it into a European powerhouse. During his tenure, Obradović led Panathinaikos to five EuroLeague titles and 23 total trophies.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Obradović and Panathinaikos on Friday evening. This marks a significant comeback for the 66-year-old coach, who had stepped down from Partizan Belgrade last season, leaving his future uncertain. His return to Panathinaikos, following the departure of coach Argin Ataman, was seen as inevitable given his deep connection to the club. The reunion also includes club icons Mike Batiste, now an assistant coach, and Dimitris Diamantidis, in a representative role, both key players from Obradović's championship teams.

Obradović's coaching impact is profound, with former player Georgios Kalaitzis calling him the "biggest chapter in the club's history" and the "architect" of its success. Kalaitzis highlighted Obradović's direct communication style, his ability to instill a sense of responsibility, and his intense coaching approach, likening each practice session to a game's final moments. Kalaitzis also noted that many point guards who played under Obradović, including Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Oded Katash, and Jaka Lakovič, have gone on to become successful coaches.

This game also brings together Israeli basketball figures. Oded Katash, now coaching Maccabi Tel Aviv, played under Obradović in his first season at Athens, winning a title against Maccabi. Yam Madar, a current Maccabi player, spent two years with Obradović at Partizan Belgrade, with the article suggesting his departure was a career mistake. Madar will now face his former coach on the court.