Even though the Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing finish to their run last season, All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo still made it a point to help Greece in the recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Fortunately, the Greek national team made it, prompting their superstar to drop a message oozing with passion.
Antetokounmpo led Greece to a 80-69 victory over Croatia in the men’s basketball qualifying tournament, securing Greece’s first Olympic berth since 2008. Antetokounmpo scored 23 points, while Georgios Papagiannis added 19 for Greece. As it stands, this will be the first time Antetokounmpo will compete in the Olympics.
Greece will be placed in Group A at the Paris Games, facing Australia, Canada and either Spain or Bahamas. Spain also qualified for the Olympics after defeating the Bahamas 86-78, with Rudy Fernandez earning his sixth Olympic berth – a first for any men’s basketball player.
Brazil earned the final qualifying spot by routing Latvia 94-69. They will be placed in Group B, playing against France, Germany and Japan.
The remaining four Olympic men’s basketball spots were decided over the weekend, rounding out the 12-team field for the Paris Games. The United States, France, Germany, Japan, Serbia, South Sudan, Canada and Australia had already qualified prior to the qualifying tournament.
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