Following a 106–89 loss to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos in Sydney, Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells was full of admiration for his opponents. He went as far as to call them “probably the best team in the world outside of the NBA,” highlighting the impressive talent on the EuroLeague champions’ roster.
The friendly match, which was part of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament, provided a valuable experience for the Australian NBL team. Coach Wells emphasized that the praise for Panathinaikos is well-deserved, given their high level of play and deep pool of talent.
🗣️ A Huge Honor and a Unique Opportunity
Coach Wells described the invitation to play against Panathinaikos as a huge honor for both the Adelaide 36ers and the entire NBL. He mentioned that it was a unique opportunity for his players to compete at such a high level. “For the NBL and for the Adelaide 36ers, it’s a huge honor to be invited,” Wells said. “The talent, the roster, the coaching—it’s special.”
🏀 A Special Challenge for the 36ers
Facing Panathinaikos was a fun and challenging experience for the 36ers. Coach Wells pointed out the Greek team’s strengths, noting their size, shooting ability, and versatility. He viewed the game as a great way to measure his team’s progress and identify areas for improvement. “It was an enjoyable night to face them, to throw some punches, and to see where we stand,” he explained.
🌟 A Career Highlight for Coach Wells
For Mike Wells, who has extensive coaching experience in the NBA, the match was more than just another game. He shared that having the chance to coach against a team of Panathinaikos’ caliber was a personal career highlight. “When you’ve been in the NBA for so long and then you see Panathinaikos play… it’s one of the highlights of my career,” he said. “I really enjoyed it. I hope the players enjoyed it too.”
