Greece's coach gives an update on the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo for the FIBA World Cup

Giannis' potential absence looms large over Greece.

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The head coach of Greece’s men’s national basketball team gave an ominous update regarding the status of the team’s undisputed star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the probability of him leading Greece in the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines.

Giannis, who underwent a knee procedure after the NBA season, has been noticeably absent as his team prepares for the prestigious tournament. With only a few weeks left before the competition begins, it appears improbable that Giannis will join Greece's team in Manila.

Still not practicing

Dimitris Itoudis, Greece’s head coach, told Harris Stavrou of SPORT24 that both Giannis and his brother Kostas have yet to join the team. Apart from that, Itoudis asserted he doesn’t have any other information to share regarding the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar.

“They are still not practicing with the team, and we don’t have something more to say right now,” Itoudis said.

Greek NT head coach, Dimitris Itoudis, didn't have an update on Giannis and Kostas Antetokounmpo: "They are still not practicing with the team and we don't have something more to say right now".

— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) August 8, 2023

Absence telling

Serbia recently defeated Greece, 71-64, in the 2023 Akropolis Tournament, which serves as a warm-up for international squads vying in summer competitions. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for Serbia, which will play in the World Cup without NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Nikos Rogkavopoulos led Greece with 19 points and six rebounds, while Ioannis Papapetrou tallied 11 markers.

Giannis’ potential absence from the World Cup would severely hinder Greece’s campaign. The last time the Greek Freak donned Greece’s jersey, he averaged 29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the FIBA Eurobasket in 2022.