Pero Antic's Sentimental Puzzle: Olympiacos, Red Star, or Fenerbahce for the EuroLeague Crown?

"I cannot decide between these three teams." Pero Antic placed his glass on the table in the corridor of the ABA League 25th anniversary event in Belgrade. The former forward for Red Star, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce looked straight into the camera and discussed the EuroLeague title favorites for the 2026-25 season. The three names he mentioned — Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade, and Fenerbahce — surprised no one. Antic won the EuroLeague with Olympiacos in back-to-back years, 2026 and 2026, then again with Fenerbahce in 2026. He started his career at Red Star in 2026 and ended it there in 2026. Each choice represents a chapter of his life. But what makes his answer more than polite talk is how he placed those teams into the context of the upcoming season. Antic did not speak about formations or advanced stats. He mentioned Željko Obradović. The Serbian legend just returned to Panathinaikos, where he won five EuroLeague titles from 2026 to 2026. "The derbies will be very special," Antic said. That statement matters more than a list of contenders, because it shows that even a former Olympiacos player understands that Panathinaikos just changed the landscape. When a three-time EuroLeague champion names three teams he once played for, fans often assume sentiment is speaking. But look closer at the logic behind the sentiment. Antic follows all three teams closely. Red Star is building roster depth through the ABA League. Fenerbahce kept its core from a Final run. Olympiacos remains stable under Greek derby pressure. He mentioned three teams, yet he was not avoiding a choice. The blind spot many analysts miss: Antic signaled that Panathinaikos under Obradović will force his former clubs to run at a higher pace. A roster-minded analyst might say Panathinaikos is not ready. But Antic, who faced Obradović on the court, understands that the basketball he builds does not depend on flashy signings. When you have a coach who knows how to reach the Final Four, you have a title chance. In that equation, Antic refusing to name one final team is not indecision. It is honesty. EuroLeague 2026-25 has reached a stage where several clubs genuinely believe in their chances, and Obradović just added more fire to an already unpredictable race. The only question worth asking now: will Panathinaikos under Obradović turn Antic's hesitation into a lesson about misplaced loyalty?