Player of the Month: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A total of 20 letters with his first and last name, and just as big of a heart. Nicknamed by local announcers as the alphabet, and The Greek Freak, Giannas has hit Milwaukee Bucks fans by storm, scoring 525 points and 339 rebounds in his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but what is the story behind the Greek Freak?
Giannis Antetokounpo: A total of 19 letters with his first and last name, and just as big of a heart. Nicknamed by local announcers as the alphabet, and The Greek Freak, Giannas has hit Milwaukee Bucks fans by storm, scoring 525 points and 339 rebounds in his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but what is the story behind the Greek Freak?
Giannas was born on December 5, 1994, making him the youngest NBA player of the 2013-2014 season. Giannas grew up in Athens, Greece with his family and struggled throughout his life. He still today is extremely humble financially, unlike most NBA players who buy multimillion dollar homes and fancy cars. Antetokounpo jammed himself into a smaill Milwaukee apartment and his only perk was when he bought himself a PS4. Soon after, he returned it because he felt guilty. His family was still living in Greece and he wanted to make sure they get to America before he goes spending his money on wants.
"We would be out on the street together, selling a toy, a watch, something, and we raise $10," Giannis’ brother, Thanasis says. "And that is good, because we didn't starve today. We're going to go home. We're going to have something to eat. And it is a good day."
When Thanasis made it to America, Giannis took his brother out to dinner. This was Thanasis’ first time eating at a resturaunt and when it was time for Thanasis to order he didn’t know what to say.
“Get whatever you want.” Giannis said, and Thanasis looked at him like he was crazy.
“Whatever you want.” The Alphabet repeated. Thanasis ordered a light salad, and now plays in the development league for the Winchester Knicks
Giannis has won over the hearts of fans across the NBA. Whenever Giannis is asked about his future in the NBA, he answers one simple thing.
“I don’t want to be a good player, I want to be a great one.”
Giannis is fufilling his dream, taking down his career high in points on back to back nights against Houston and Boston, and will compete in the 2015 dunk contest during all-star weekend.
