Ergin Ataman delivered a fiery response toward Ofer Yannay, the owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C., during a heated exchange that quickly gained attention across European basketball media.
Ataman criticized Yannay’s comments and accused him of being disrespectful while dismissing suggestions that financial power alone guarantees success.
“I don’t know his name.”
“You’re very disrespectful.”
Ataman also mocked reports about Hapoel Tel Aviv potentially building a massive budget in the future.
“I heard you’ll have 75M budget. Even with 100M, with this mentality you’ll win NOTHING.”
The veteran coach finished his response by stating that Yannay would never reach his level in European basketball.
“You’ll never come to my level.”
“SHUT UP AND TALK WITH YOUR TEAM”
Ergin Ataman FIRES BACK at Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yannay 🔥
“I don’t know his name.
You’re very disrespectful.
I heard you’ll have 75M budget. Even with 100M, with this mentality you’ll win NOTHING.
You’ll never come to my level.” pic.twitter.com/rT8oTBqqtv
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 15, 2026