GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
THE REAL MVP
For every NBA fan across the world, it was already known that the last season was the best one yet for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak” and 24th-year-old Milwaukee Bucks star. It was hardly no surprise, when on June 25th he won Most Valuable Player honours at the annual NBA Awards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo received 941 points and 78 first-place votes, beating Paul George of Oklahoma City, who received 356 points and none first- or second-place votes and last year’s MVP, James Harden of Houston, who received 776 points and 23 first-place votes.
His emotional acceptance speech was all over the news, as he paid a tribute to his late father Charles, who died in 2017, but also thanked his brothers and his mother for being always by his side.
``Even when my body is sore, even when I don't feel like playing, I always show up and do the right thing.``
The AntetokounBros tournament, an annual 3×3 tournament for boys and girls 14-18 years old, which is taking place in Athens for the last two years, was only the beginning of several actions held by the Antetokounmpo brothers to honor and show their gratitude to their homeland. As Giannis says, these events aim to bring them close to children and people who love them, as a small reward for all the love they receive. Together with his brother, Thanasis, and in collaboration with the media organisation Europhoops and the Onassis Foundation, Giannis announced the establishment of the “AntetokounBros Academy”, a basketball academy, which will help underprivileged children in Greece seize their dream. Giannis also funded the construction of a brand-new indoor basketball court in Rafina, which suffered from wildfires in 2018.
As you may see, there is more to admire in Giannis Antetokounmpo than just a great basketball player. All we can do is wait with anticipation to see what the future holds for him.