By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After not playing in Greece’s first Group H Qualifier against Great Britain, Antetokounmpo joined the Hellas team at home versus Israel and showcased his incredible athleticism with a number of highlight dunks and blocks in collecting 9 points and 2 blocks in 10 minutes of action in Greece’s 82-61 win over Israel in Heraklion.
“These World Cup Qualifiers bring the national team closer to the people,” said Antetokounmpo, who spent a long time after the game signing autographs and taking selfies with the fans. “It’s really beautiful for the fans around the country. People don’t have the opportunity to travel around, not even to the big cities to see the national team play. Not even the FIBA EuroBasket.”
The 25-year-old, the older brother of Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, said the national team breaks have a feeling of something bigger than just a game.
“It’s like having EuroBaskets in each country. It’s great.”
And he explained that playing for the blue and white of Greece is always a big deal.
“It is something unique, a big pride. This is the feeling. You play for your country, your family, your friends. You play for everybody,” said Antetokounmpo, who made his senior national team debut at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Turin. “Of course we would like to have all the players here, but at the same time, we saw new faces, and I really hope that we will meet again next time.”
When asked if he thinks his brother will be with Greece team during the World Cup Qualifiers in the summer of 2018, Thanasis answered: “Theoretically yes, but what really matters is to stay healthy until then.”
All in all, Antetokounmpo admitted he’s a big fan of FIBA’s New Competition System.
“Sure. It’s like football. Instead of playing only in the summertime, you have the chance to engage throughout the whole season with the fans,” he said. “Now, the national team is not a summer team. Now, people are waiting for the team to play and will look forward to the next game, because from now on, the national team is a part our winter lives.”.
Source: FIBA.basketball