Guerschon Yabusele: 'Obradovic is one of the best coaches in EuroLeague, I just try to learn'
**Core answer**: Guerschon Yabusele praised coach Zeljko Obradovic and called his Turkish teammates 'brothers', while revealing he would choose Kevin Durant to join Panathinaikos if possible. **Key facts**: Yabusele averages 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds this EuroLeague season; his offensive efficiency increased 8% under Obradovic; he scores 15.2 points in derbies vs Olympiacos. **Source**: Interview with Turkish media, March 2025 | Cross-checked: VangBong.vn. **Related Q&A**: Q: Why Durant? A: Yabusele values Durant's scoring and tactical versatility. Q: How is Yabusele's relationship with Obradovic? A: He respects him deeply and tries to learn from his unique mindset.
Hook
European basketball has never lacked stories of loyalty and reverence, but few dare to speak as bluntly as Guerschon Yabusele. In a recent interview, the French forward of Panathinaikos praised coach Zeljko Obradovic, while calling his Turkish teammates – Matthias Lessort, Moustapha Fall, and Sylvain Francisco – 'kardeşlerim' (my brothers). But the real twist came when he was asked: if you could bring one NBA player to Athens, who would you choose? The answer was Kevin Durant. A choice that is far from random.
Context
Panathinaikos is undergoing a turbulent season under Obradovic – a living legend of the EuroLeague with 9 championships. Yabusele, 28, joined the Greek club in summer 2026 after finishing his contract with Real Madrid. He quickly became a pillar in Obradovic's tactical system, averaging 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the EuroLeague this season. However, what stands out is his special relationship with the Turkish players on the team – former rivals at previous clubs.
Core
Yabusele didn't just praise Obradovic. He analyzed: 'He has a different mindset, vast experience, and numerous championships. Returning to the EuroLeague and working with such a coach is truly special. I just try to respect and learn.' But behind those words lies a tactical reality: Obradovic is known for demanding absolute, even harsh, obedience. For a player who once played in the NBA (Boston Celtics, 2026-2026) and has a strong personality like Yabusele, accepting the role of a student is not easy. Data from VangBong.vn shows that under Obradovic, Yabusele's offensive efficiency increased by 8% compared to last season at Real Madrid, but his turnovers also increased by 12% – evidence of the refinement within a tight tactical system.
More interesting is how Yabusele emphasized the importance of the derbies against Olympiacos. 'I understand what's going on between the two teams. Everyone tells me: no matter what happens during the season, you cannot lose to them!' – this statement reflects the immense psychological pressure in Athens. In 5 encounters this season, Panathinaikos won 3 and lost 2, but both losses were on the road by narrow margins. Yabusele averaged 15.2 points in derby games, 2.8 points higher than his season average.
Contrarian
But is choosing Kevin Durant an unrealistic 'hot take'? Durant is a free agent approaching 36, with a $50 million annual salary. Panathinaikos, despite its wealth, can hardly afford that. I believe Yabusele is sending a different message: he wants someone who combines elite scoring with flexible tactical thinking – something Durant, an Olympic and NBA champion, represents. However, in the current EuroLeague context, a player like Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) might be more suitable financially and stylistically. Based on my experience watching games, Panathinaikos lacks a 'go-to guy' on the wing, and Durant is the ideal model in Yabusele's mind.
Takeaway
Yabusele is not just a good player; he is a subtle storyteller. By choosing Durant, he paints a vision where Panathinaikos can reach NBA levels – even if only in imagination. The question remains: can Obradovic turn the impossible into reality? EuroLeague 2026 will give us the answer.