Coach Selen Erdem takes over Panathinaikos: Turkish-Greek basketball ties grow
Selen Erdem in action during her first practice with Panathinaikos women's basketball team, Athens, Greece, Mar. 11, 2025. (Photo via Instragram / @panathinaikos_1908)
Panathinaikos has appointed Turkish coach Selen Erdem as the new head coach of its women’s basketball team. This decision marks a historic moment for the club, as Erdem is the first foreign head coach in the team’s history.
Panathinaikos confirmed the news through an official statement, saying, “Selen Erdem is the first foreign head coach in the illustrious history of our club.” The appointment comes after her success with PAS Giannina, where she led the team to the Greek Cup final.
Erdem expressed her excitement about the new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join Panathinaikos; it is an honor. This is a club with a rich history, and I am excited for this new chapter. I know how passionate the fans are, and I promise to give my all for the team as we fight for success together.”
Panathinaikos strengthens Turkish ties with coaches Selen Erdem, Ergin Ataman
Selen Erdem joins Panathinaikos as the club continues to strengthen its ties with Turkish basketball. Ergin Ataman, the head coach of the men’s basketball team, led the club to the 2023 EuroLeague championship. Under his leadership, Panathinaikos recently won the Greek Cup, securing a 79-75 victory over Olympiakos after a four-year wait for the title.
Ataman previously won back-to-back EuroLeague titles with Anadolu Efes in 2021 and 2022. His Panathinaikos roster also includes Turkish national team players Cedi Osman and Omer Faruk Yurtseven.
The club’s connection with Turkish sports is not limited to basketball. Fatih Terim, one of Türkiye’s most well-known football coaches, previously managed Panathinaikos’ football team. Under his leadership, the team reached the Greek Cup final and recorded 14 wins, 6 losses, and 6 draws in 26 matches.
Erdem prepares Panathinaikos women’s basketball team for Greek playoffs after third-place finish
Erdem steps into her new role as Panathinaikos prepares for the playoffs. The team finished third in the regular season with 14 wins and six losses.
Their first challenge will be against Amyntas, and if they advance, they will face a tough semifinal matchup against Athinaikos, a team that already defeated them at home earlier in the season.
The team’s fans have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the management’s decisions over transfers and other decisions, which they believe have heavily impacted the team.
- Many fans stressed that Selen Erdem should not be blamed for any failures since she had no input during the transfer season
- Fans also noted that Erdem was the only right transfer this season and demanded that they truly trust her vision and just “give her the keys and support her decisions as a coach”
- Greek and Turkish fans expressed excitement over Erdem’s appointment, coming together through their shared love of basketball
Selen Erdem built a strong reputation in Greek basketball with PAS Giannina, leading the team to a Greek Cup final against Olympiacos. Despite the loss, her leadership received widespread recognition.
Her intense sideline presence has made an impact in women’s basketball across Türkiye, Greece, and beyond.
Erdem speaks about sexism in coaching, struggle for respect and threats she faced
Selen Erdem has openly addressed the sexism she encountered throughout her career.
I had to work five times harder than male coaches just to be considered for the same opportunities. We bring home major victories and represent our countries on the biggest stages, yet we are rarely given the same respect.
she said in an interview with the TOC
“My advice to women is don’t give up or back down. I dare things. I left my loved ones and my family. I didn’t ask anyone for anything. I worked hard, deserved it, and got it,” she proudly said in another interview with Sabah.
She recalled facing threats from the stands and intimidation tactics after matches. “I was threatened from the stands and pressured after matches, just because I am a woman,” she said. Despite these experiences, she remained committed to her career. “I will never stop proving that women belong in this profession,” she said.
Selen Erdem also spoke about the difficulty of breaking into men’s coaching roles. “No matter how much success we bring, it is never enough for women to get the same opportunities. But we will keep pushing forward,” she stated.
Selen Erdem’s sideline presence, fierce coaching style, and rejection of the ‘female Terim’ label
Erdem stands out not only for her coaching skills but also for her distinct sideline presence.
Unlike many coaches who wear tracksuits, she prefers tailored suits and high heels. “I decided early on that I would always dress professionally for games,” she told The TOC. “It is my way of showing that style and discipline can go hand in hand.”
During another interview with the Turkish news outlet Sabah, she explained her ideological reasons for doing so.
I represent women and pay special attention to my shoes, jewellery, and clothes.
I have been compared to a man, but I am a woman representing women’s power. People also loved this strong female figure.
Selen Erdem’s high-energy coaching style has led to comparisons with Fatih Terim, but she does not fully embrace the label. “It is flattering, but I am not the ‘female Terim.’ I am Selen Erdem, and I have my own path,” she told The TOC.
With her appointment at Panathinaikos, Erdem is making history while paving the way for greater representation of women in basketball coaching. As she takes charge of one of Greece’s most successful clubs, all eyes will be on how she leads the team through the playoffs and beyond.
