Giannis Antetokounmpo was overcome with emotion after leading Greece to winning the Olympic Qualification Tournament held on their home soil. Greece will participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, their first appearance since the 2008 Olympics. Giannis shared an emotional message on social media, reacting to his team's achievement.
Giannis couldn't control his emotions on the court after sealing qualifying by defeating Croatia. The Greek big man was crying with his son alongside him, letting the moment sink in.
Antetokounmpo scored 23 points in Greece's 80-69 win over Croatia at home to seal their spot in the 12-team field for the Paris Games. This will be Giannis' first Olympic appearance, with the Greek forward also eliminating Luka Doncic's Slovenia en route to making sure his country plays in Paris.
Giannis reacted to the achievement in a press conference after the game, being cautious about discussing possible medal hopes .
“Since I was a kid, I always wanted to play in the Olympic Games. This is something that means a lot to me. I remember in 2016 when I was 20 years old, we played Croatia and lost the game. That memory stuck in my head. Even my wife was in the crowd, I told her to wear the same shirt from that game. I feel like these things make you stronger. Mentally, I am very strong now. Hopefully, physically slowly to get even stronger."
Greece wouldn't be in this position without Giannis and will now aim to bring home a medal in one of the most competitive Olympic fields in recent seasons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Credits Head Coach
Giannis Antetokounmpo shared credit for Greece's Olympic qualification with head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, explaining how important he has been in this process for the Greek national team.
“I do not think that if you can write this scenario, it could be better. Having my idol helping this team and leading us to victory, having my teammates who have been great guys. For so many years, we have wanted something memorable. We were able to do it. Being in your house, your family here, people that support and love you, the fanbase, it is an incredible feeling. I believe coach Spanoulis is a winner. You can not teach that. You are either a winner or not. When he talks to you, you have to respect it,”
Greece will be placed in Group A for the Paris Games, facing Australia, Canada and Spain. This could be the Group of Death in the Olympics, as all four nations in the group are medal threats.
Australia are led by a strong unit featuring NBA stars like Patty Mills, Josh Green, and Dante Exum while Spain won the 2022 EuroBasket and is always competing for medals at the Olympics. Canada might be the most challenging opponent , led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but having a star NBA cast on the roster with players like Jamal Murray alongside SGA.
Related: LeBron James Expected To Start For Team USA At 2024 Olympics
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