Giannis Antetokounmpo, visibly moved, shed tears of happiness after playing a crucial role in Greece’s qualification for the Olympic Games on Sunday. Following Greece’s 80-69 victory over Croatia in the men’s basketball qualifying tournament final, the Milwaukee Bucks star and former NBA MVP took a quiet moment on the bench to collect himself as his emotions surged.
As a consequence, Antetokounmpo is set to make his Olympic debut after scoring 23 points in the decisive game that finalized the 12-team lineup for the Paris Games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, visibly moved, cried tears of joy after playing a pivotal role in guiding Greece to the Olympics on Sunday. Following Greece’s 80-69 victory over Croatia in the men’s basketball qualifying tournament final, the Milwaukee Bucks star and former NBA MVP took a moment alone on the bench, overwhelmed by his emotions.
As a result of his performance, Antetokounmpo will make his Olympic debut, having scored 23 points in the game that solidified Greece’s place in the 12-team lineup for the Paris Games.
“The Olympic Games attract the best athletes in the world,” Antetokounmpo stated. “We have nothing to lose. I truly believe we have an incredible team capable of achieving something special.”
Reflecting on Greece’s journey, Antetokounmpo emphasized the team’s preparation and focus. “Over the past two weeks, our coaching staff and players were highly focused and ready. We knew we had the opportunity to achieve this on our home ground,” he remarked in the postgame press conference following Sunday’s final against Croatia.
“We faced four finals, and from the very first game, our focus was on ourselves, regardless of the opponent’s strength. I’m thrilled with how the games unfolded, securing our spot in the Olympic Games,” he added.
Despite his personal hunger for success, Antetokounmpo redirected attention to the team. “Personally, I’m very hungry, but ultimately, it’s about the team,” he noted. “We’re all hungry. The team spirit is incredible.”
After recovering from a left calf strain and a shortened 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, the 29-year-old averaged 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, leading Greece to their first Olympics appearance since 2008.
Under the guidance of head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, Giannis appeared much more comfortable with the pressures that come with being an NBA superstar leading his national team.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better scenario,” Giannis remarked. “Having my idol guiding this team to victory, along with teammates who have been phenomenal.” He continued to praise Spanoulis and his teammates, expressing their desire to achieve something memorable after years of effort. “Being at home with family, surrounded by supportive fans—it’s an incredible feeling.”
Giannis expressed his admiration for coach Spanoulis, emphasizing his winning mentality. “Coach Spanoulis is a born winner. It’s something you can’t teach. When he speaks, you have to respect it,” he added. Spanoulis, a 41-year-old selector for Greece, is renowned for his illustrious career, highlighted by three Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships among other achievements.
