Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a major career milestone this past Sunday, propelling Greece back into the Olympic Games for men's basketball, marking their first appearance since 2008.
After a tense and closely fought first half, Greece pulled away to defeat Croatia 80-69 in the final of a FIBA qualifying tournament held in Piraeus, Greece. This victory ensured Greece's spot in the upcoming Paris Games. The Greek men's basketball team has made it to the Olympics previously in 1952, 1996, 2004, and 2008, with the 2004 team being automatic entrants as the host country. Notably, Greece has never clinched a medal in Olympic basketball, so this time around, the stakes and hopes are high.
Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks star, showcased his talent and determination, scoring 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds in just 29 minutes. This win had an element of sweet revenge, as Croatia had previously dashed Greece's Olympic dreams by defeating them in a 2016 qualifying game, keeping them out of the Rio Games.
Interestingly, Giannis wasn’t the only Antetokounmpo making waves. Kostas Antetokounmpo, a Dominican High School alumnus, is also part of the Greek national team, though he didn’t play in the game against Croatia. Meanwhile, their brother Thanasis, a former Bucks forward who tore his left Achilles tendon in June, is unable to play but remains with the team for support.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The opening ceremonies for the Paris Games will take place on July 26 along the Seine River. Greece holds a special place in Olympic history and tradition, being the first country to enter the procession of nations, a nod to its ancient origins with the Games. If Giannis is chosen to carry the Greek flag, he would become the first Black athlete to do so for Greece, adding yet another layer of historical significance to his already impressive career.
So, what does the competition look like for Greece? The team is slotted into Group A, which includes formidable opponents like Australia, Canada, and Spain. Both Australia and Canada are considered strong medal contenders, being ranked fifth and seventh in the world, respectively.
Here's a quick look at Greece's Olympic schedule:
- July 27: Greece vs. Canada at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France
- July 30: Greece vs. Spain
- August 2: Greece vs. Australia
Should Greece advance past the group stage, the quarterfinals will kick off on August 6 at Bercy Arena in Paris, with semifinals on August 8, and the medal games concluding the tournament on August 10.
The timing of these events is particularly interesting for NBA fans, as the Bucks' training camp dates haven’t been announced yet. Typically, in Olympic years, NBA camps are pushed back to allow players like Giannis some time to recover. The league’s first preseason games are set for October 4 and 6 in Abu Dhabi.
Giannis has a remarkable history of balancing international and NBA commitments. Since 2014, he has consistently represented Greece in international competitions and often follows up these stints with stellar performances for the Bucks. Notably, after the 2016 qualifying games for Greece, he won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. His participation in the 2019 World Cup preceded his second NBA MVP season, and after the 2022 EuroBasket, he had his career-best scoring season.
In summary, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey with the Greek national team and his subsequent performance in the NBA reflect his extraordinary dedication and talent. With Greece back in the Olympics and Giannis at the forefront, basketball fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what’s next for this phenomenal athlete and his team.
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