By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
BERLIN – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Scottie Pippen, local basketball icon Dennis Schroder, and movie star Bill Murray are the EuroLeague’s Final Four celebrity row.
And Giannis, who came to Berlin first and foremost to support his brother Kostas who is playing for Panathinaikos, didn’t hide his joy for being among European – and especially Greek – fans.
As he said, when asked, if he would like to close his career in Europe: “I am blessed to be in the NBA considering where I started, I am on a team where I want to do the best for them, but I envy the atmosphere of those games. I would like to have this in the NBA. I traveled from Greece today on a plane with 150 fans who left their job and their families, to support their team. I would like to play for those kind of fans”.
His return to Greece can be considered also if he returns to Filathlitikos, or as an owner. As he added jokingly: “I want to play as many years I can in the NBA, I don’t know if I would play in Olympiacos or Panathinaikos, I would play for Filathlitikos, my old team, and maybe lead them to the top division. Olympiacos and Panathinaikos didn’t want me when I was 18, so why go there at 38? Of course, I can buy a team if they are up for sale, but I don’t think owners mr Giannakopoulos or mr Aggelopoulos are interested in selling”.
Giannis also talked about his brother Kostas, a former NBA champion with the Lakers, who will have the chance on Sunday to win the EuroLeague: “Panathinaikos can go all the way. You have to enjoy it, because you don’t get to play in many finals. I was impressed by Panathinaikos defense”.
And he also took upon himself the role of the reporter, interviewing Kostas.
Giannis Antetokounmpo playing reporter with his brother Kostas after Panathinaikos semifinal win over Fenerbahce #F4Glory pic.twitter.com/ZCHpA35rCj
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 24, 2024