French guard Sylvain Francisco has lauded his early experiences at Panathinaikos BC after starting preseason training under coach Zeljko Obradovic in Athens.
Speaking in an interview released on the official club media channel, the new transfer acquisition expressed strong enthusiasm for the high training standards, squad chemistry, and upcoming home fixtures at the renovated Telecom Center Athens venue.
Francisco said that training sessions under Obradovic had exceeded his expectations. He explained that tactical preparations focused heavily on specific offensive and defensive plays, adding that every player on the squad was working hard to improve.
Panathinaikos BC is one of European basketball's most prominent clubs, competing in both the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. Obradovic is widely recognized as one of the most decorated head coaches in European basketball history, having built a legendary coaching reputation across the continent.
Tactical Training and Glass Floor Court
Looking ahead to his first official home game, Francisco praised the modern glass floor playing surface installed at Telecom Center Athens, predicting that the environment for the first match would be energetic.
The guard noted that he had previously played on a glass floor surface during his time with German club Bayern Munich. He explained that knowing how to play on the surface was beneficial for players and teams.
Francisco pointed out that the glass floor offered clear safety benefits, explaining that the technology helped avoid player injuries. He stated that the court did not slip and eliminated the need for traditional adhesive stickers on the parquet floor.
Francisco joined Panathinaikos during the summer transfer window after establishing himself as a key guard in top-level European competitions. His previous career includes playing in Germany for Bayern Munich before completing his move to the Greek capital.
French Connection and Squad Atmosphere
Within the Panathinaikos squad, Francisco highlighted a strong French presence, noting that six individuals in the group speak French. He remarked lightheartedly that people around the club would soon start speaking French as well.
He stated that players returning from the French national team were already prepared, while others who recently arrived were working through the process of regaining their peak physical condition. Francisco added that he was already well into that integration process himself.
Francisco noted that having fellow French speakers created a supportive environment where teammates constantly motivated each other. He remarked that, apart from a previous spell alongside a teammate named Moose, he had rarely shared a locker room with fellow French players, making the shared language and lighthearted moments enjoyable.
The guard expressed surprise at the team daily routine compared to his previous club experiences, pointing to shared breakfasts and lunches at the team restaurant as a key factor in building unity. He praised the medical and support staff for remaining close to the team, saying the organization felt like a family where everyone was happy to help one another.
Life in Athens and Personal Hobbies
Reflecting on his return to Greece, Francisco admitted that he had missed the pleasant Athens weather and local Greek food during his time away. He specifically mentioned missing traditional Greek salad and gyros, adding that warm weather made heading to daily practice a joyful experience.
Addressing how fans perceive him, Francisco revealed that while people often view him as overly serious due to his focused basketball persona, he actually enjoys joking around. He described himself as a very good dancer and noted that his personal hobbies outside basketball include video gaming, live streaming, and cooking.
The behind-the-scenes media piece was published by Panathinaikos on September 10, 2026, as the squad completes its preseason schedule ahead of the upcoming domestic and European campaign.
