Mike Batiste returns, joins Obradović's staff
A legend walks back in. Mike Batiste is returning to Panathinaikos as part of Željko Obradović's coaching staff (2) (3) (4).
Owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos broke the news himself. "Myths never leave. Mike Batiste returns to Panathinaikos, on Žoc's staff. Welcome back to your home," he wrote, pairing it with a line from a cult Greek film (3).
Batiste played for the club from 2003 to 2012, winning three EuroLeague titles under Obradović. He spent last season as an assistant to Darko Rajaković (4).
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Basketball targets: Avramović, Bonga, and Yabusele on the radar
Obradović is not done. Panathinaikos have locked onto three names for the basketball squad: Aleksa Avramović, Isaac Bonga, and Guerschon Yabusele (1).
All three are being considered as the club looks to shape the roster under the returning coach.
Fan reactions
Fans are celebrating Batiste's return across social media, with the Giannakopoulos announcement post drawing heavy engagement. On Reddit, the mood is nostalgic. Supporters see the reunion of the Batiste-Obradović axis as a signal of intent for the new season. Read the thread here.
