By Aris Barkas/ info@eurohoops.net
Two-time NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, will be included in the Greek national team’s preliminary list for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, his presence in the tournament remains questionable.
While Giannis’ participation in the planetary competition in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia is uncertain, Nick Calathes won’t be helping Dimitris Itoudis’ team. An official announcement of the list is expected soon.
Antetokounmpo underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee two weeks after the end of the NBA season, which put his status for the World Cup as questionable. Previous reports suggested that he will do everything in his power to be available.
Giannis Antetokounmpo played for Greece at the EuroBasket last summer, but despite his efforts, he couldn’t lead Dimitris Itoudis’ team past the quarterfinals. In addition to his EuroBasket participation, he also represented Greece at the 2019 and 2014 World Cup and the 2015 EuroBasket.
The 28-year-old NBA superstar had an outstanding season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 63 games. However, despite his impressive performance, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat.
On the other hand, Nick Calathes informed the Greek national team’s head coach, Dimitris Itoudis, that he will not be at his disposal for the upcoming World Cup in order to rest this summer. Another blow for Greece, that also won’t be able to count on Kostas Sloukas.
Calathes made his debut for the Greek team in the 2009 EuroBasket and has been a regular member ever since. He has participated in five continental championships and three World Cups, showcasing his dedication to representing his country. In FIBA competitions, Calathes has been a valuable contributor, scoring an average of 9.1 points and 4.5 assists, resulting in an average PIR of 11.3 for the Greek national team.
During the previous season with Fenerbahce, Calathes played 39 games in the EuroLeague, demonstrating his skills with an average of eight points and 4.9 assists (PIR 10).