After signing a 1.5 year deal with the club, Ergin Ataman, the new Coach of Beşiktaş Cola Turka men’s basketball, talked to our website:

“I coached Beşiktaş in 2007-08 and have fond memories of this club; so I’m glad to be back after three seasons. At that season, we had a great team and just missed out winning the titles. Now, I want to live that excitement once again. It is nice to see that the club management shares the same view. Besides, who could forget those wonderful fans? When I watched the Eagles’ latest games against the arch-rivals Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray at the Arena, I once again witnessed their greatness and devotion against all odds. Not too many clubs have such a loyal following in this country. I think all these pretty much explain why I returned to Beşiktaş.      
 
For the future, we have set ourselves a number of short and long term goals. We will immediately strengthen our roster with new players and make sure that we finish the season as high as we possible can in the standings so we get a better playoff spot. Then we will sit down with all the related parties to create a solid team for the next season, a team which will bring us success both in Turkey and Europe.
Before I go any further, I’d like to say few words about Allen Iverson. He is not only a proven international star but his physical condition has improved dramatically since his arrival. Therefore, we are planning to use him more often in the second half of the season. He is a type of player who can turn the things around if he is given sufficient minutes on the court. It is our duty to make a better use of him. Besides, the fans love him, but they also want to see the Eagles win some games while he is out there. We’ll do everything in our power to sort out this problem.
 
Despite a number of injuries, we expect to be in full strength in the second part of the season. However, we urgently need a center and a power forward. If we want to make our presence felt, we have to find them before the season resumes. I hope to give good news to our fans in very near future.  
When it comes to our other star Mire Chatman, I’ve had a long talk with him. He told me that he was totally misunderstood and did not have any problems with neither the club nor the previous Coach Mr. Burak Bıyıktay. I asked him to let the bygones be bygones because we wanted to see him back on the lineup. He has agreed and will start practicing with the team tomorrow. At this time of the season, we can’t afford to lose any players. Besides, he has been a key player for Beşiktaş such a long time. I am sure he will clear his mind and make a fresh start tomorrow.    
I also have no doubt our fans will continue to back us during this period. On the other hand, we must play better basketball and get good results to be worthy of their support. We have to work harder if we are not going to be left behind our arch rivals.”