According to Eurohoops magazine when coach Dimitris Itoudis, one of the top modern European coaches took on the challenge to lead Greece, he built the team around none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
‘The 2021 NBA champion will be the center of the team while he’s entering the most mature era of his career and after the experience of the FIBA World Cup 2019, in which Greece missed the quarterfinals after a tie with the Czech Republic due to the point difference.’
Gianni did not hide his frustration after Greece missed out in 2019, during his Bucks training camp: “I’m mad and pissed but everything happens for a reason. You try to take good or bad, the experience from every competition you play and try to be better. So that when you’re on the same stage again, you know how to handle it. The Greek national team… we’re not done yet.”
‘Giannis, who is practicing all summer wearing the jersey of the Greek national team, made the same post on all his official social media that doesn’t leave any doubt, just one day after the unveiling of his image on an airplane of the official airline sponsor of the Greek basketball federation.’