Before Turkey’s game against Serbia, Ergin Ataman claimed the result wasn’t particularly important. Yet, when the final buzzer sounded, his exuberant celebration told a completely different story. This is nothing new for Ataman, a captivating personality who inspires both admiration and animosity. He is an egomaniac with immeasurable narcissism who has forged a well-defined and unique style—a style, it must be said, that has led him to resounding success. Now, approaching 60, he stands as the most prominent coach in European basketball today, judged by his resume, media presence, and collection of titles. A man dedicated to the sport, he consistently creates memorable moments, offering fans an undeniable spectacle that always gets people talking.

Two Special Ones? How Ataman Mirrors Mourinho’s Ego and Success

Ataman’s behavior is highly reminiscent of José Mourinho, the iconic football manager who, at 62, is a contemporary of his basketball counterpart. The Portuguese coach, recently dismissed from Fenerbahçe, was one of the most influential managers of the 21st century’s first decade, amassing an endless list of achievements, including two Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan. His tenure at Real Madrid was a constant source of debate, as was his ability to draw all the attention to himself while brushing off the relentless criticism from the public. Now, his star has faded, and he manages in less prestigious leagues, though he still picks up the occasional trophy. He has become a somewhat worn-out figure, a shadow of the legend he once was—and, in many ways, always will be. After all, he earned his place in history.

Ataman, however, is not at that stage. In fact, he is at the absolute peak of what is already a very long and distinguished career. Coaching various teams since 1996, the Turkish tactician has cemented his legendary status over the last decade, though his trophy-winning ways began much earlier. He is a five-time Turkish League champion and has also won the Turkish Cup five times. In 2012, he won the FIBA EuroChallenge with Besiktas, and in his next venture with Galatasaray, he claimed the EuroCup in 2016. But the best was yet to come. As the head coach of Anadolu Efes, with Shane Larkin and Vasilije Micic as his superstars, he won two consecutive EuroLeagues. It would have been three if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t halted the 2020 season when his team was dominating the standings. His move to Panathinaikos was a media sensation, and in his first season, he delivered both the EuroLeague and the Greek League titles with a mega-project full of incredible stars. He is, without a doubt, the coach of the moment.

The Ego, the Drama, the Glory: Ataman’s Winning Formula

Ataman’s methods are unconventional but not entirely unheard of. They are unique because they are his own, though that doesn’t make them easy to understand. What is clear is that this approach has brought him success. Always gesticulating on the sidelines, constantly blaming referees, finding excuses in defeat, and celebrating victories with wild abandon, Ataman has become the protagonist of his own story. He is one of those coaches who transcends the team itself. In sports, it’s usually the players who win or lose, but not for the Turkish coach. He is the one who dictates the what, who, and how, controlling every conceivable aspect of the organization. At Panathinaikos, he has even been given executive power, making his approval essential for any player transfers.

The Turkish coach has also become an expert at managing big personalities on the court and maintaining incredible emotional control over his squad. In the 2024 EuroLeague quarterfinals, Panathinaikos was down 2-1. At that moment, Ataman made explosive statements, declaring he would leave if his team didn’t make it to the Final Four. The “Greens” won the fourth game, a do-or-die situation for them (88-95), and then clinched the series back at OAKA (81-72) with the fans fully behind their coach. He then guided them to his third continental championship. This year, he struggled to defeat his former team, Efes, in the quarterfinals (3-2). He later fueled the rivalry with Olympiacos during the Final Four, where his team fell in the semifinals. His trademark verbosity also intensified the hostile atmosphere in the Greek league finals against their eternal enemy, where they also came up short. It didn’t matter; he will remain in charge. He is the boss and has control. But for how long?

The Mourinho Effect: How Ataman Wins Through Mind Games and Provocations

Listing all of Ataman’s headline-grabbing moments would be an exhaustive exercise. There are his comparisons between the EuroLeague and the NBA, his talk of coaching in the world’s best league, his masterful handling of press conferences, and his constant controversial remarks. Then there’s the way he has psychologically tormented Real Madrid, becoming their bogeyman in recent years, both during his time at Efes and now with Panathinaikos. All this and more has been accomplished by a coach who is in his element at a EuroBasket tournament that he commands in body and soul. Turkey, after a fantastic win against Serbia, established themselves as contenders and defeated Sweden in the round of 16 and easily throned over Poland in the quarterfinal clash. And yes, all things come to an end, and styles don’t last forever. Until then, we can expect more fiery quotes, exaggerated gestures, and plenty of theatrics. Just like with Mourinho, of course.