In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA Championship in five decades, validating the franchise's faith in him, all while averaging a series-high 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game in the championship round. While the triumph brought a huge sigh of relief for the two-time MVP, President Joe Biden recognized the hard work put in to rise to stardom after coming from a humble background in Greece when the Bucks became the first team in five years to visit the White House.
Biden's message to Giannis
Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrant parents, Giannis grew up in extreme poverty with his three brothers. The family's financial struggles stemmed from their parents' difficulty finding steady jobs as immigrants, which forced the two-time MVP to contribute to the household income from the tender age of six. Their circumstances were so dire that all four brothers shared a single bed.
Despite such demoralizing circumstances, through extraordinary perseverance and dedication, three of the Antetokounmpo brothers went on to become NBA Champions. This is why when Biden had the opportunity, he gave Giannis along with his family the flowers to have an inspiring story.
"At just 26 years old, you're just getting started, " Biden said . "What makes it even more special is you won the title with your brother, who is here today. And you join another brother already with a ring. What a hell of a family. Sons living the dream of an immigrant family from Nigeria and then Greece in search of new opportunity. In struggles, they always dreamed."
Giannis wasn't the only Bucks star Biden praised
While Giannis' remarkable journey from poverty to NBA stardom rightfully drew attention, he wasn't the only Bucks player to earn President Biden's respect. Interestingly, Biden also singled out guard Donte DiVincenzo, with whom he shared a personal connection.
Both Donte and Joe hail from Delaware, where the former attended the Salesianum School in Wilmington. As DiVincenzo led his high school to two state championships and was named Delaware's Player of the Year in 2015, Biden saw it all. Moreover, the President spent extra time discussing DiVincenzo's achievements, humorously suggesting that the player must be accustomed to such ceremonies due to his high school successes.
"He won two state championships there," Biden added. " So he's used to this stuff."
Safe to say, this personal touch from Biden ensured that even though Giannis' rise to stardom was appreciated, other Bucks star's presence was duly recognized, making the White House experience memorable for them as well.
Related: "That's an honor" - Giannis on potentially becoming Greece's flag bearer for 2024 Olympics
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