On Tuesday, Greek-Nigerian Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo shared images online of himself teaching the children at the Antetokounbros Academy in Greece to play basketball.
The athlete, who is one of the most recognized faces in the National Basketball Association (NBA), dedicated some of his time to grassroots basketball and shared some of his skills and knowledge with children at the open basketball court in Athens.
Basketball has been an immensely popular sport in Greece since the Greek men’s national team won the 1987 EuroBasket in Athens. Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the “Greek Freak” and his brothers, are among the country’s most famous athletes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo coaches children at Antetokounbros Academy
On Tuesday, the “Greek Freak” took the opportunity to return to the grassroots of Greek basketball and pass on some valuable tricks and trips to the next generation of aspiring athletes.
“Just like the good old days!” tweeted Antetokounmpo. “A ball, a hoop and some sun.” The basketballer and philanthropist also shared images of himself coaching children on the basketball court in Athens.
Just Like the good old days! A Ball, a hoop and some sun ☀️☺️ pic.twitter.com/yYoHlTaaCr
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 4, 2023
According to the official website, the vision of the Antetokounbros Academy, founded by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, is “to provide children from vulnerable social groups with the opportunities they lacked when growing up, and let kids experience the power of sport to change lives.”
In practice the academy consists of “a program to help boys and girls (aged 10-16) and aspiring coaches (aged 18-25) realize their sporting potential, gain life skills and become better citizens.”
The brothers established the academy in the belief that through “social actions and various partnerships, children will receive healthy and sound stimuli that will help them develop a balanced character, learn to work hard, be better teammates, and become better people. Not only on the basketball court but also at home, at school and within the community.”
Milwaukee Bucks Coach on working with the “Greek Freak”
Terry Stotts, who is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant to new head coach Adrian Griffin, recently commented on Antetokounmpo’s important place in the team.
“It all starts with Giannis and his ability to create opportunities and having shooters around him,” Stotts said. “Think every team, no matter where you are, you look at your personnel and try to maximize their talents. This is a unique team and that’s why they’ve been in the mix.
“To me, they were the best team in the league last year. Obviously fell short in the playoffs, but coming in and maybe have a few more different ideas and see where we go with that,” he added.
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