By George Adamopoulos/ info@eurohoops.net
Greece preparing for the 2023 FIBA World Cup includes newcomer Thomas Walkup but holds Giannis Antetokounmpo on a questionable status, a few weeks before the official games start in Asia.
Walkup, 30, talked to Eurohoops about potentially teaming up with the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
“Of course, it is a big difference. He is the best player in the world,” he answered a question about the Freak being able to deliver a boost to the senior national team of Greece, “But we have to prepare as if he is not.”
Antetokounmpo, 28, was named in the preliminary squad but was excused at the top of the training camp and is uncertain to play in the World Cup. He underwent cleanup knee surgery during the offseason and also dealt with a back injury in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
“He is the type of guy that can step in any team and immediately make a huge impact,” explained Walkup, “If he comes at the last second, we will welcome him with open arms. And if he doesn’t, that is what it is. We have to keep pushing and moving forward. We can’t play with excuses.”
Walkup will be the naturalized player for Greece in the approaching international tournament. Besides Giannis, he also discussed feeling welcomed in a new environment and replacing Tyler Dorsey on the squad, among other topics.
The first prep game for Greece is against Slovenia and Luka Doncic in Ljubljana tonight, Wednesday. A rematch is set to be played in Athens Friday as both sides continue on the way to the World Cup.