By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to represent Greece in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window, according to national teams manager Dimos Dikoudis.
The 31-year-old was not included in Greece’s squad for the games against Ukraine and Spain. Dikoudis explained that the decision was based on the physical risk of returning to intense competition after several months without an official game, rather than a lack of desire from Giannis or opposition from his new NBA team. Eurohoops
“For this window, both the Greek Basketball Federation and the national team coach wanted Giannis to participate. We spoke with him, as we did with all the other players, and also with his new team, with whom we have an excellent relationship based on mutual respect. Giannis wanted to help the national team, as he has done throughout the years and will continue to do. Miami is also an organization that supports its players representing their national teams.
However, at this particular moment, his participation involved a risk. He played only a small number of games last season and has not appeared in an official game since March. Preparing him to return properly to a competitive rhythm without risking injury will take time. Playing official, high-intensity games for the national team right now would put his physical health at risk. That is something we all have to respect, not only with Giannis but with every player,” Dikoudis said on the Greek federation’s web radio.
Greece will therefore continue its 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign without its biggest star, while Antetokounmpo focuses on completing the gradual return-to-play process ahead of his first season with Miami.
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