Giannis Antetokounmpo is the definitive example of “started from the bottom now we here” since getting drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. He began his NBA career as an unknown to an undisputed leader that has taken the team to the most prestigious NBA awards.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Apr 5, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates extending the lead against the Miami Heat in overtime at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
That’s what he’s hoping to do, too, for Greece in EuroBasket 2025 that is starting today. He may not be identified as the leader of the team since he did not have the captainship but the captain himself thought the NBA superstar is embracing that role.
Antetokounmpo first played for the Greece national basketball team in 2015 as a 20-year-old underdeveloped prospect. Being vocal was not in his job description yet. Now that he has proven himself as one of the best in the world, with accomplishments to boot, he is embracing the leadership role.
“He is one of the top players in the world, he is amazing. His presence and the way he is treating his teammates, how approachable he is, that’s making him a good leader,” team captain Kostas Papanikolaou said.
Papanikolaou, who briefly played in the NBA for Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, has been wearing the Hellas colors since 2009 and he also witnessed Antetokounmpo grow.
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Dec 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Ronnie Price (14) guards against Denver Nuggets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets won 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
“He is reaching out to everybody, he is helping everyone, and he makes sure everyone knows what he has to do. He is more vocal compared to his first years in the national team. That makes the team function better”.
How to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo, EuroBasket
Greece national team will make their debut in the 2025 tournament on August 28 against Italy at 2:30 p.m. ET. Their second group stage game is against hosts Cyprics Cyprus at 11:15 a.m. ET.
The rest of the schedule are as follow:
Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Greece vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 8 a.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 4 – Spain vs. Greece | 2:30 p.m. ET
The knockout stage will be from September 16 to September 17.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball against Germany during a men’s basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Antetokounmpo was the topscorer from the last EuroBasket edition although media members are analysts are not high on him repeating that. Greece are also expected to make a podium finish.
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