Giannis Antetokounmpo, original name Giannis Adetokunbo, nickname Greek Freak (born December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece), is a Greek professional basketball player who led the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA to a championship in 2021. NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than what meets the eye, which says a lot given the 6-foot-11 forward for the Milwaukee Bucks has a 7-foot-3 wingspan, 40-inch vertical, and 13 letters in his last name. Born and raised in Athens to Nigerian immigrants, the “Greek Freak,” as he’s been affectionately named, not only has an interesting background that’s a mash-up of his Nigerian heritage (his mom, Veronica, is of the Igbo crew while his late father, Charles, is Yoruba) against his Greek upbringing but also as a professional basketball player.
Giannis is the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. In addition, Giannis has two MVP awards under his belt, taking the honor home in 2019 and 2020—a feat that made him the only player, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James, to do so before turning 26. Lastly, Mr. Antetokounmpo is only the third player to win both NBA Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same year, joining the great Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The Greek Freak: Top 10 Untold Truths About Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. Beyond his impressive on-court performance, there are lesser-known aspects of his life and career that make him an even more captivating figure. In this article, we delve into the top 10 untold truths about Giannis Antetokounmpo, shedding light on the man behind the legend.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo trademarked ‘The Greek Freak’
Ever since Giannis Antetokounmpo was dubbed the “Greek Freak” due to his freakishly athletic build and on-court abilities, he’s done nothing but embrace the term. Nowadays, you can catch Antetokounmpo adding variations of the nickname at the end of hashtags and referring to himself as “The Freak” on social media. They say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and Antetokounpo has taken that saying to heart when it comes to his nickname, as he’s done nothing but double-down on the title as his status, profile, and superstardom have risen. The Greek athlete has even found a way to incorporate the name on the court, writing it out as “GREEK FR34K” to include his number 34 jersey number.
The basketball star has even gotten his name trademarked. According to intellectual property site Gerben, the two-time MVP “obtained a federal trademark registration for ‘GREEK FREAK’ in 2014,” which “covers the use of the name on backpacks and clothing items that include shirts, hooded sweatshirts, jackets, jerseys, socks, and warm-up suits
2. He didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Greece to Nigerian parents. His family struggled financially, and Giannis and his four older brothers sold souvenirs on the streets of Athens to help support their family.
When Giannis was 13 years old, he was spotted by a scout while playing soccer. The scout invited Giannis to try out for a basketball team, and Giannis quickly fell in love with the game.
Despite starting basketball late, Giannis quickly developed into one of the most talented players in his age group. He was named to the Greek national team at the age of 17, and he made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013.
3. He speaks five languages
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a polyglot, meaning that he speaks five languages fluently. He speaks Greek and English because he grew up in Athens, Greece. And he speaks Nigerian because his parents are from Nigeria. He speaks Spanish and French because he learned them from his parents and older brothers.
Giannis’ ability to speak multiple languages has been a valuable asset to him both on and off the court. On the court, he has been able to communicate with teammates and coaches from all over the world. Off the court, he has been able to connect with fans from all over the world.
4. He’s a devout Christian
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a devout Christian. He often speaks about his faith publicly and is known for his humility and kindness.
Giannis’ faith is important to him because it gives him a sense of purpose and direction in life. It also helps him to stay grounded and humble, even in the face of great success.
5. He’s a philanthropist
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to charities that support education, healthcare, and poverty reduction in Greece and Africa.
Giannis is passionate about helping others because he knows what it’s like to grow up in poverty. He wants to give back to the communities that have helped him achieve his dreams.
6. He’s a role model for young people
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a role model for young people all over the world. He is proof that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
Giannis’ story is an inspiration to many because it shows that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances. He is a living example of the American Dream.
7. He’s one of the most popular athletes in the world
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most popular athletes in the world. He has millions of followers on social media and is endorsed by major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.
Giannis’ popularity is due to his incredible talent on the court, his humble and likable personality, and his inspiring story. He is a global icon who is loved by fans all over the world.
8. He’s a two-time NBA MVP, a one-time NBA champion, and a one-time NBA Finals MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA today. He has won two NBA MVP awards, one NBA championship, and one NBA Finals MVP award.
Giannis is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. He is also a great leader who has helped the Bucks become one of the best teams in the NBA.
9. A young man with two countries
Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, but as neither of his parents were legally in Greece or Greek citizens, he was unable to gain Greek citizenship. Neither could he obtain Nigerian citizenship. For the first 18 years of his life, Giannis was stateless and couldn’t travel or represent the country of his birth.
In 2013, he received his Greek papers in time to attend that year’s NBA Draft. And, two years later, he acquired a Nigerian passport, too.
“It’s important. It’s part of who I am. Both of my parents are Nigerian. They wanted me to get it. I wanted to have it, so I got it,” he told The Undefeated.
10. He’s also a talented rapper
Giannis Antetokounmpo is also a talented rapper. He has released several songs under the name “Giannis the Greek.”
Giannis’ music is inspired by his personal experiences and his love of basketball. His music is also a platform for him to speak about social issues that are important to him.
In 2020, Giannis released a song called “Letter to My Younger Self.” The song is a message to his younger self, encouraging him to never give up on his dreams, no matter how difficult things may seem.
FAQs About Giannis Antetokounmpo
Q. How did Giannis Antetokounmpo start his basketball career?
Giannis began playing basketball at the age of 13 in Greece, which is relatively late for a future NBA star.
Q. What philanthropic work is Giannis involved in?
Giannis is actively involved in charity work, particularly in Greece, where he has made a significant impact through his contributions.
Q. How many NBA MVP awards has Giannis won?
Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice in his career.
Q. What is Giannis’s family background?
Giannis’s parents emigrated from Nigeria to Greece, and he comes from a close-knit family with a deep sense of values.
Q. How did Giannis transition to life in the United States?
Moving to the U.S. was a significant cultural adjustment for Gilbert, but he embraced the change with remarkable adaptability.
Q. What are some of Giannis’s hidden talents?
One of Giannis’s lesser-known talents is his versatility on the basketball court, as he can play multiple positions with ease.
Conclusion: The Final Words
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a name that has become synonymous with dominance in the NBA, is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. From his humble beginnings in Athens, Greece, to becoming a two-time NBA MVP and a champion, Giannis’ journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His athleticism, skill, and unwavering dedication have propelled him to the top of the basketball world.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Giannis Antetokounmpo has also made a significant impact off the court. His philanthropic endeavors and commitment to social justice have made him a role model for millions. His story is a reminder that with the right mindset and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter their circumstances. As Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to defy expectations, we can only imagine what he will accomplish next.
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