Giannis Antetokounmpo on women’s basketball is no longer just within the walls of a board meeting room as the Milwaukee Bucks star is named as an inspiration by Washington Mystics star Shakira Austin.
Her team might be mid right now but she has been tearing it up for them this season. She is a close second top scorer behind guards Brittney Sykes and Sonia Citron, averaging 13 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
The 6’5 center is currently having his best season in his young career and this has much to do with his composure inside the paint.
Her team lost on Sunday but she recorded 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in an efficient 44.4% overall shooting. She has also been very aggressive and physical.
Asked about who she is taking inspiration from when it comes to his type of game, she mentioned two MVPs – Giannis and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shakira Austin told me that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid both inspired some of her moves around the rim. However, Jade Melbourne interjected and said that Shakira is a “one of one” 😂.
Head coach Sydney Johnson also jumped in and praised Austin’s growth. pic.twitter.com/YesFRMINAU
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) July 28, 2025
Austin is currently regarded as as among the best young power forwards today in the WNBA.
Giannis Antetokounmpo a supporter of women’s sports
Antetokounmpo is hardly seen on the WNBA court and rarely comments about the league although he did defend Angel Reese last month.
Make no mistake about his support for women’s basketball though as he is among the investors of Unrivaled, a professional league created by rapper Ice Cube.
The Greek Freak is just among a number of high profile investors on the league.
Other names include Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, USC star JuJu Watkins, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, soccer star Alex Morgan and tennis player Coco Gauff.
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