Just recently, Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Greek basketball national team to their first Olympic appearance. As a result, the one-time NBA champion has been granted the honor to carry Greece’s flag for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A couple of days ago, Antetokounmpo was brought to tears as he witnessed Greece secure its first Olympic berth since 2008. The two-time NBA MVP has achieved everything there is to accomplish at the professional level, but this long-awaited opportunity to represent his country on the world’s biggest stage clearly holds a special place in his heart.
Antetokounmpo led Greece to a big win over Croatia in the final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, solidifying their spot in the Paris Olympics. Cameras captured the emotional scene as the 29-year-old sat on the court, head in hands, wiping away tears of joy. Even his young son tried to console him, underscoring the significance of this achievement.
This will mark Antetokounmpo’s first-ever Olympic appearance, capping off an illustrious international career that has seen him lead Greece to consistent success. His dominant performances throughout the qualifying tournament, including a 28-point blowout win over Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic and Slovenia, demonstrated his unwavering dedication to his national team.
Thanks to Antetokounmpo’s leadership and effort, Greece will soon play on the global stage after getting through the qualifying tournament. As a result, the Bucks star will get to carry his country’s flag during the opening ceremonies in Paris according to an article Andrew Gould wrote for The Spun.
The Hellenic Olympic Committee announced Tuesday that the Milwaukee Bucks star will serve as Greece’s flag bearer during the opening ceremonies in Paris. He and race walker Antigoni Drisbioti will commence the ceremony on Friday, July 26,” Gould wrote.
Antetokounmpo led Greece to an 80-69 win over Croatia to clinch their first Olympic bid in a long time. The Milwaukee forward scored 23 points, while Georgios Papagiannis contributed 19, booking Greece’s spot in the Paris Olympics.
While Greece is going to face tougher opponents, most notably a Team USA squad with LeBron James and Stephen Curry in it, Antetokounmpo will do everything he can to lead his country to victory. In any case, fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the Greek Freak performs on the global stage soon.
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