After what seemed like forever, Greece’ national basketball team is headed back to the Olympics in Paris. Before that, though, there’s an awesome idea involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and company for the opening ceremonies.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, is slated to lead the Greek national team’s parade at the opening ceremony, sharing the honor with race walker Antigoni Ntrismpioti.
The Bucks star’s selection as the Greek flag bearer carries significant symbolism, given his personal journey. The son of Nigerian immigrants, Antetokounmpo spent the first 18 years of his life effectively stateless, without citizenship from either Greece or Nigeria. He eventually obtained Greek citizenship in 2013, just before being drafted by the Bucks.
The decision to have Antetokounmpo lead the Greek delegation is seen as an important step in recognizing the contributions of immigrants and their descendants to the nation’s athletic achievements. As the first black Greek Olympic flagbearer, Antetokounmpo’s participation will be a powerful moment of representation and progress for the country.
Greece National Team Proposes Cool Idea For Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Company for 2024 Olympics
Although Antetokounmpo and Ntrismpioti are both going to carry Greece’s flag for the opening ceremonies, there’s another plan that’s being considered. According to an article by Aris Barkas for Eurohoops, the country’s entire men’s basketball roster is being proposed to join the two stars for the parade.
“According to Eurohoops sources, the whole national team coached by Vassilis Spanoulis would like to accompany the Greek Freak in one of the most important Olympic moments, the opening ceremony that will be held in Paris through the Seine River.
However, this still remains to be seen because Greece is scheduled to play the following day in Lille to face the Canadian national team in Group A at 21:00 CET.
Eurohoops reports that the Greek basketball federation asked for it officially from the Greek Olympic committee, and the country will be the first in the parade as it has always happened in Olympic history,” Barkas wrote.
Antetokounmpo, one of the top 10 Milwaukee Bucks players of all time, will make his Olympic debut in Paris 2024 after leading Greece to an 80-69 victory over Croatia in the qualifying tournament. The Greek star scored 23 points to secure Greece’s spot in the Olympic basketball field.
With the Bucks star set to make history, everyone will be watching him make his country proud in the coming days. If Greece’s proposal is approved, then their return to the global stage will be much more awesome.
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