By Nikos Varlas / info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed his participation at the World Cup during the presentation of his first signature shoe design, Zoom Freak 1.
“I haven’t talked with the coach yet, I don’t know which position I will play in. But I don’t care. I just want to play. Whether I play as a guard or as a center, I don’t care. I’m a basketball player. I want to help the team in every way”, said the Greek Freak.
Giannis also looked ahead to his future, which he clearly mentions is in the States. However, he would like to teach his offspring some of the Greek mentality. “I want my kids to grow up with the right values and be humble. I know that this will be difficult since they will grow up in a big house with a pool. But what I will definitely do, since they will be born in the States, it’s to teach them how to speak fluently Greek and learn the culture and the mentality of my country, of Greece.”
Greece will play in Group F against Brazil, New Zealand, and Montenegro and must finish in the top two to advance to Second Round Group K to go up against the top two sides from a Group E that consists of the USA, Turkey, Japan and the Czech Republic.
The top two sides from that Second Round group will reach the Quarter-Finals.
Antetokounmpo, who came up just short of the NBA Finals, is now widely viewed as one of the best players in basketball. Now Greece are hoping he can lead their basketball team to new heights.
Under the outstanding leadership of coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos, Greece won 11 of their 12 games in the European Qualifiers.