NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to don the Greek national jersey once again as he leads his country in the upcoming pre-Olympic qualifying tournament this July.
Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis confirmed on Sunday that the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player will join Greece’s quest to secure a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Greece’s Olympic Ambitions Revived
Greece, a traditional basketball powerhouse in Europe, has not appeared in the Olympics since 2008. Their journey was cut short in the second group stage at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023, leaving them without an automatic qualification for Paris 2024.
The addition of Antetokounmpo, known for his dominant performances with the Milwaukee Bucks, brings new hope to the Greek squad. His international presence is expected to bolster the team’s chances against formidable opponents.
Facing Tough Competition on Home Soil
Hosting one of the four pre-Olympic qualifying tournaments, Greece is placed in Group B alongside Egypt and the Dominican Republic. Group A features Slovenia, New Zealand, and Croatia. The tournaments promise intense matchups as teams vie for limited Olympic berths.
Antetokounmpo’s participation not only elevates Greece’s prospects but also adds excitement for basketball fans worldwide eager to see him compete on the Olympic stage.
Aiming for Paris 2024
The road to Paris will be challenging, but with Antetokounmpo at the helm, Greece aims to reclaim its place among the world’s elite basketball nations. The team’s performance in the upcoming qualifiers will determine whether they can break their 16-year Olympic drought.
Basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Greek Freak leads his national team in a high-stakes pursuit of Olympic glory.
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Antetokounmpo to play for Greece in pre-Olympic qualifying tournament
cgtn.com
