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Giannis Antetokounmpo hopes to inspire more international players to aspire for success in the NBA

Giannis believes there are many more international players who can make an impact in the NBA.

Matthew Dugandzic

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has come a long way from the streets of Greece to getting selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft to becoming a perennial MVP contender and NBA champion. However, the Greek Freak recognizes the success of international players like him and fellow MVP candidates Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets would not be possible had it not been for previous pioneers.

International dominance

With the NBA’s international talent continuing to grow, Giannis hopes that more young players from all over the globe are inspired by his success and strive to achieve their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.

“It’s crazy. You’ll see people paved the way for us before, to show a guy from outside America can be great in the league. And now we came to the league and now we’re doing it. Now we’re franchise players, and teams are building a team around us,” Antetokounmpo said.

Giannis, of course, is a top MVP candidate and the pillar of a Milwaukee Bucks squad that won it all in 2021 and is looking to make a run at another NBA championship this season. With averages of 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, Giannis is, without a shadow of a doubt, a franchise player that other teams can only dream of having.

“Kids from Africa, kids from Europe are coming to the league, and they see us, like: ‘Okay, I can be the guy. I can be the franchise player.’”

Focus is on basketball

Apart from his otherworldly basketball skills, another thing that Giannis is renowned for is his focus on basketball and becoming the best player he can be. Despite all the acclaim and fame, Giannis has tried his best to steer clear of any narratives that could distract him from his mission.

“I really don’t want to be the face of the league. I really don’t,” said the two-time MVP. “I just want to hoop. If that makes me the face of the league, great. But that’s not my focus.”

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.