Cedi Osman Returns to OAKA as Opponent: 'Nobody Wants to Leave Panathinaikos on a Bad Note'

When Cedi Osman stepped out of the OAKA tunnel for the first time in an opponent's jersey, the entire arena stood up and applauded. Panathinaikos fans have not forgotten what he gave them during two years in Athens. And Osman has not forgotten them either. "Honestly, that moment was incredible," Osman said after his team's friendly against Partizan. "I was here for a long time and I have a very strong bond with these fans. They always supported me for two years, and I gave everything on the court. Getting such a warm reception means I did my job well." That moment is not just personal. It shows how a player leaves his former club with his dignity intact in the modern European basketball era — where loyalty to a team is often treated as something disposable. Osman did not shy away from emotion when discussing the past. "Things didn't end in the best way," he admitted. "But I'm here, I have a new team, they're great. I have great teammates. I'm also giving everything to my new team." That is the answer of a man who has been through it — he burns no bridges, but he does not pretend everything was perfect. What matters more is the fighting spirit Osman brings to his new team. In a game against one of the top teams, his side trailed by 9 points before completing a comeback. For Osman, that was a sign of a group that knows how to handle adversity. "That was great. We were down nine, if we can turn it around, everything is very positive," Osman analyzed. "We started playing as a group, as a team. Everyone took responsibility, and that's what we always talk about. There are going to be mistakes, but your team is going to play well." Osman's team — Anadolu Efes — has played three games against EuroLeague teams during preseason, a deliberate strategy to assess their level before the season proper begins. "We played three games against EuroLeague teams and did well," Osman confirmed. "I think we will have a really good team." The biggest question for Anadolu Efes is: can they compete with the EuroLeague giants? Osman believes so. "We can beat any team. But we need to take it step by step. Just think about the next game and do our job." That is the language of a man who has played in the NBA — where an 82-game season teaches you that no great victory is built in a single night. The EuroLeague may be shorter, but the philosophy remains the same. Osman refused to talk about lofty goals. "We can't talk about the end of the season now. It's too early. We have to focus on the next game, then think about the one after that." That is the pragmatic approach of a team rebuilding after losing key pillars. Anadolu Efes has no immediate championship ambitions — they are building brick by brick. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos are also in transition. Their fans applauded a former player — a rare graceful gesture in modern European basketball. They understand that basketball is a business, and sometimes people must move on. For Osman, the new chapter at Anadolu Efes is just beginning. But from the way he handled his return to OAKA, one thing is clear: he is not just a good player, but a true professional.