By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo is preparing for the upcoming season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but part of his mind is still on the Greek national team.
Speaking to COSMOTE TV, the Greek television rights holder of the NBA, while in Abhu Dabi for the exhibition games against the Hawks, Giannis explained his mentality going forward concerning the national team: “We have to go step by step. No matter the result in Eurobasket, I think the national team improved this year on every aspect and from now on, the goal doesn’t change”.
The Greek Freak is referring to the fact that the Greek national team, a two-time European champion and silver medal winner in the FIBA World Cup, has won its last medal, a bronze, back in Eurobasket 2009.
Giannis clearly states that one of his goals remains a medal with the Greek national team: “We have two upcoming chances in the FIBA World Cup and hopefully in the Olympics. We built something special, and this jersey is heavy. I have played for 10 years now with the Bucks, but the national team jersey is different. You may wake up with bigger anxiety but you know you can give joy to millions. I never felt so much love in my life from all over the world who engaged with the national team and followed us everywhere we went. From Madrid for the prep games to Milan and Berlin for the tournament. As I already wrote on my social media, I fell in love with the game again this summer”.
With Greece opening by custom the Olympic parade of athletes, Giannis can be the first to enter the Olympic Stadium in Paris in 2024, as the flag bearer of Greece, an honor that in the past had for their countries basketball icons like Yao Ming, Manu Ginobili Pau Gasol, and Dirk Nowitzki.
“It will be amazing to be a flag bearer in the 2024 Olympics but there are steps we have to take to get there”, said Giannis.
Speaking about the Bucks, the two-time former MVP added: “I am well physically, as well as mentally. We must be ready for the season, hope we stay healthy and do well with the Bucks. I believe that every year five or six teams have a chance for the title and we are one of them. It is very good that we kept the same core of players, we are close and know each other. The most important thing is to be healthy”.