Mike Batiste has returned to Panathinaikos as an assistant coach under Zeljko Obradovic, describing his return to the Greek club as feeling like coming home.
The former American power forward gave his first extensive interview since returning to Greece to the official Panathinaikos website, paobc.gr, on August 22, 2026. He outlined his motivations for rejoining the team and discussed his new coaching role alongside Obradovic.
Batiste explained that returning to Athens was a move he had anticipated. He noted that the decision followed a phone call from Obradovic, who told him that the club wanted to gather its basketball family together to build a successful season.
Batiste spent nine seasons as a player with Panathinaikos between 2003 and 2012, before a final stint in the 2013-2014 season. During his playing career in Athens, he won three EuroLeague titles under Obradovic, who served as head coach of the Greek powerhouse from 1999 to 2012 and is widely regarded as one of Europe's most decorated basketball managers.
Reuniting with Club Legends in Athens
Reflecting on his return, Batiste said that stepping back into Athens made him feel immediately at home. He shared that he grew up and matured during his original years in Greece, acquiring core life values that he took back to his family in the United States.
He admitted that deciding to relocate was not simple. He said that after receiving the call from Obradovic, he had to weigh how the change would impact his life in America and in Greece. However, he added that once he made up his mind, the process became straightforward.
The move brings Batiste back into the same organization as former teammates Dimitris Diamantidis and Fragiskos Alvertis. Batiste acknowledged that while supporters view the assembly as a major reunion, everyone involved understands that their primary duty is to win championships and add more banners to the arena rafters.
Diamantidis and Alvertis are both iconic figures in Greek basketball history. Alvertis captained Panathinaikos through five EuroLeague triumphs, while Diamantidis earned EuroLeague Final Four Most Valuable Player honors twice alongside Batiste during the club's dominant era in European basketball.
Bringing NBA Experience to the Bench
Batiste returns to European basketball after spending the last 12 years working as an assistant coach in the National Basketball Association. He explained that his time in the NBA provided him with invaluable experience working alongside diverse cultures and coaching styles.
He stated that he aims to bring the quality and knowledge gained from his NBA tenure to the Panathinaikos coaching staff. He described himself as an open-minded coach who is eager to keep learning, adding that he intends to deliver his best effort every day in team meetings, practices, and games.
Batiste expressed strong enthusiasm for coaching Panathinaikos big men Guerschon Yabusele and Mathias Lessort, whom observers often compare to him. He noted that he has followed both players throughout their careers and respects their abilities.
He promised to make time for Yabusele and Lessort whenever they want to discuss tactics, defensive schemes, or personal matters. Batiste said he expects a productive year of mutual learning where he passes on his frontcourt experience to help the players develop.
Upgrades at Telekom Center Athens
During the interview, Batiste commented on the extensive renovation of Telekom Center Athens, also known as OAKA. He noted that the arena looks completely transformed compared to his playing days, pointing out that even the room used for the interview was previously unused.
He praised the modern redesign of the facility, highlighting the new glass floor surface and fresh green seating. Batiste said the upgraded arena will offer supporters an enhanced game experience and help create lasting memories.
Located in the northern suburb of Marousi in Athens, the Olympic Indoor Hall serves as the primary home venue for Panathinaikos. The arena underwent comprehensive modernizations to upgrade spectator amenities and technological infrastructure for EuroLeague competition.
Honoring Legacy and Looking Ahead
Batiste highlighted his upcoming participation in the eighth annual Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament as a major milestone. He explained that although he received invitations to attend previous editions of the pre-season event, his schedule in America prevented him from traveling.
He expressed pride at attending the tournament for the first time from the bench. Batiste said that the memory of former club president Pavlos Giannakopoulos remains central to Panathinaikos history, praising his son, current club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, for effectively managing the organization.
Addressing Panathinaikos supporters, Batiste urged fans to offer total backing throughout the coming campaign. He acknowledged that the team will face challenges, but maintained that with complete fan support, the squad can capture both the Greek League championship and an eighth EuroLeague title.
When asked to compare the championship-winning 2009 Panathinaikos team with the current 2026 roster, Batiste picked the 2009 squad. He explained that the 2009 team had proven its success, whereas the 2026 group has yet to play an official game. However, he noted that comparisons can be revisited once the new squad completes its season.
