Giannis Antetokounmpo performed a pivotal function within the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup success, delivering a triple-double in Tuesday’s ultimate in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in Las Vegas. Teaming up with Damian Lillard, the dynamic duo has positioned Milwaukee as critical contenders within the Jap Convention this season. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old ahead has his eyes set on a unique problem in 2025.
In an interview with Sport24.gr after the NBA Cup Closing, Antetokounmpo expressed his eagerness to compete within the EuroBasket 2025. “I’m excited and hope to be wholesome to compete. I actually need to be there,” he shared.
The European event is scheduled to happen from August 27 to September 14 throughout 4 host nations: Latvia, Cyprus, Finland, and Poland. Whereas these host nations and some others have already certified, Greece has but to safe its spot. They presently lead Group F with three wins and one loss, leaving them one step away from qualification. Their destiny could possibly be decided in February once they face the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The Bucks star tempered expectations, although, recognizing the time nonetheless remaining earlier than the event. “EuroBasket remains to be far off… so I don’t need to say a lot,” he defined. “I need to concentrate on actions, not phrases. Let’s get wholesome, regroup, after which do one thing nice… I’m a man who speaks on the courtroom.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout the Quarter Finals of the 5×5 Basketball occasions of the Paris Olympic Video games, between Greece and Germany.
Excessive hopes for Greece
Regardless of his warning, Antetokounmpo conveyed his perception within the Greek nationwide crew’s potential. “Now we have an unbelievable group, all winners. We all know what we have to do – now let’s go do it on the courtroom,” he mentioned confidently.
Reflecting on Greece’s current efficiency within the 2024 Paris Olympics, the place they misplaced to Germany within the quarterfinals, Antetokounmpo emphasised the crew’s willpower. “We gave greater than 100%. No one anticipated us to even be there,” he recalled. ”We confronted a fantastic crew filled with NBA gamers with no weaknesses. We may’ve performed smarter, possibly dedicated just a few extra transition fouls, and the end result may’ve been totally different.”
see additionally
NBA Information: Luka Doncic proclaims main choice for 2025, no matter Dallas’ end result this season
NBA stars eye EuroBasket 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t the one NBA star wanting to compete in EuroBasket 2025. San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama lately introduced his intention to symbolize France, following Luka Doncic’s lead, who expressed his need to play for Slovenia.
Because the event approaches and qualifiers proceed, extra NBA gamers are prone to declare their participation, promising to raise the competitors’s degree. With the potential presence of stars like Antetokounmpo, Wembanyama, and Doncic, EuroBasket 2025 is shaping as much as be some of the aggressive editions in current historical past.