By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Over 8.000 highly excited fans gathered around a beautiful open-space court. Wide smiles all over the place that were interrupted only by expressions of amazement after spectacular highlights. And in the center of everything, Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo along with Kristaps Porzingis, providing a show to be remembered. The finale of the “Streetball Event Antetokounbros 2016” which was organized by Eurohoops, was nothing less than a raving success.
After visiting Heraklion and Thessaloniki to play against each other along with their friends, the Antetokounbros completed their tour in Athens. This time, a special guest had joined them. Who was he? No other than New York Knicks star and member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team Kristaps Porzingis. He had arrived in Greece, specifically to help the team of Thanasis, his friend from the Knicks, beat Giannis’ squad. Yet the score at the final buzzer was 123-123. No overtime was in order.
The one who made the tip-off was father Antonios of the “Ark Of the World” initiative that provides for mothers and children in need. It is based in Kolonos, near Sepolia, the neighborhood where the Antetokounbros grew up. As for the… top scorers? Thanasis and Giannis dropped 69 and 64 points respectively. Kristaps added 21 of his own, some of them while wearing… sunglasses. Euroleague legend and member of Giannis’ team Theo Papaloukas had 13 points and 10 assists.
But the result and points don’t really matter, do they? The thing of significance for which each of the participants cared about was to have fun and empower the joyous atmosphere for the thousands of fans who packed the area around the court. People of all ages, from little children, to their white-haired grandparents, were there to receive a splash of magic from the best league in the world. The kind of magic that only sports in their purest form can deliver. Because this wasn’t an official game in a luxurious arena. It wasn’t even an “exhibition game”. It was streetball. It was a “back to the roots” match on a court like the ones in which Thanasis, Giannis and Kristaps made their first basketball steps.
Some people had even climbed on the rooftops of nearby buildings in order to take a peek at the whole event. A crowd which was as massive as it could get. The fans were intoxicated with this unique basketball communion taking place between them and the players. After all, they were watching athletes who shine in the NBA, now performing within their reach. In a place where anyone can come with a ball and hoop. Many of the spectators played there yesterday and might do the same tomorrow. “This is the basket where the Antetokounmpos and Porzingis dunked” they will tell each other.
Of course, the protagonists who were responsible for making all those fans so happy, enjoyed themselves as well. “It was a wonderful experience” said Kristaps Porzingis “I thank Giannis and Thanasis for inviting me to the event. Greek basketball fans are among the very best in the world”.
“The response that we experienced throughout this tour was phenomenal”, commented Giannis Antetokounmpo. “What began last year as a simple streetball game in our old neighborhood, became a tour in three of the biggest cities in Greece”.
Since the municipality of Athens co-organized the whole event, mayor Giorgos Kaminis was also present. And he emphasized on one specific thing: “We keep this exceptional social message. That children from immigrants who came to Greece are now playing high-level basketball in the best league of the planet”.
#Antetolounbros_athens @Giannis_An34, @Thanasis_ante43, @kporzee & friends play basketball and dance the same time! pic.twitter.com/z89tVH3iJf
— Eurohoops.net (@Eurohoopsnet) May 29, 2016
#Antetokonbros_athens @Thanasis_ante43 won the dunk contest after this dunk! pic.twitter.com/d2XaBHuS7x
— Eurohoops.net (@Eurohoopsnet) May 29, 2016