By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t hide his feelings for the Greek national team, during the official presentation of the pre-selection roster, and he went even further while speaking at the Greek newspaper “Ta Nea”.
Giannis, who is the brightest star of the upcoming FIBA World Cup would trade his NBA MVP title for the top of the FIBA world: “I would change the MVP title for the gold medal in China. I always feel something special when playing for the national team. When you are starting the tournament and listening to the national anthem, the emotions can’t be described. After the first basket, the first plays, it is an amazing experience and every time I feel as proud as the first time. The feeling of winning with the national team is incredible and I have said before that I will always be part of the team, as long as I am healthy like this summer”.
The fact that in the training camp Giannis’ brothers, Thanasis and Kostas, are also part of the team, makes things even better: “We’re just trying to encourage each other and get better. It is an incredible feeling that all three of us are together. We have worked very hard to get here and to achieve this. That’s why I know that our mother is proud, as is our father, who I’m sure he is watching us from the heavens”.
After missing the 2017 Eurobasket due to knee soreness, Giannis’ return to the Greek national team roster makes it by default one of the teams to watch in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Giannis is set to become the first reigning NBA MVP to compete in the FIBA World Cup.