By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Larry Drew traveled half the world in order not only to see live Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court, but also to meet him for the first time and get to know him as a person. The Greek national team is still unbeaten after six games in the European U20 championship and Antetokounmpo has already demonstrated some impressive all around skills.
Coach Drew was sitting in the stands during the last two games and saw what Antetokounmpo can be: A real point forward who can contribute points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. The upside of the player is huge, however at this point he is still a project. That’s why the number 15 pick of the 2013 draft has a lot of work to do in order to reach his full potential.
The player and the Bucks know that he has to strengthen his body and that’s the main priority, since the basketball talent is already there. Antetokounmpo is expected to travel in the States during early August and he will have individual work outs, hoping to be as ready as possible before the start of the training camp.
Despite earlier speculations, Antetokounmpo will not play in the NBA Development League. He will be part of the Bucks from day one and when he is ready, he will get some minutes. The main goal for his first season is his adaptation in the NBA and the first concern of the team is to prepare him mentally for the league. It seems strange for a player who was picked in the middle of the first round, but 18 years old Antetokounmpo has very limited high level basketball experience. The good news for Milwaukee are that in his first six games with the Greek U20 national team, he seems ready for every challenge.