Antetokounmpo is viewed as a hero in Greece, but this was not always the case. Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo[11][12] was born in Athens, Greece, on December 6, 1994,[13] the son of immigrants from Nigeria. Giannis Sina Ougko Antetokounmpo is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association. Most famously, the Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy, adept defenders to neutralise Antetokounmpo's paint dominance in their 2019 Conference Finals victory. Giannis (comes from Ioannis which means John in Greek) annual salary is north of $45 million. In those specific games, he has scored a total of 560 points, for a scoring average of 19.3 points per game. They moved to Greece in 1991 to seek better opportunities for their family. [196], Antetokounmpo has two older brothers, Francis (Greek name Andreas) and Thanasis, as well as two younger brothers, Kostas and Alex. [104] He also joined Jordan, O'Neal, and James as the only players to put up at least 40 points in back-to-back Finals games in the previous 50 years. But Nigeria is like 250 dialects, so my mom and my dad don't speak the same language." Sadly, C harles Adetokunbo died in 2017 at age of 54 after a heart attack. [95] Antetokounmpo would not return to the game, and the Bucks lost 11088. Veronica Adetokunbo spoke to her sons in the Nigerian language of Igbo, which is one of the main Nigerian languages. Attempts to do so, however, may be premature. Highly athletic and versatile, Antetokounmpo is often recognized as one of the best all-around players in the NBA, and many analysts have declared him "positionless" and as embodying the future of the league. Would love your thoughts, please comment. [116][117] On February 8, 2022, in a 131116 win against the Lakers, Antetokounmpo scored 44 points with 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks, and 0 turnovers on 17-of-20 shooting from the field;[118][119] it was his 20 straight game recording at least 25 points. On November 19, he scored a then career-high 33 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I grew up in a Nigerian home," Antetokounmpo said. [111] On January 13, 2022, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 11899 win over the Golden State Warriors with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks, leading both teams in such stats,[112] in less than thirty minutes, and became the first player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles in 30 minutes;[113] he tied Jordan's career mark of 28 triple-doubles, ranking 18th all-time. Giannis was born to his Nigerian parents, Charles Antetokounmpo (father) and Veronica Antetokounmpo (mother), on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece. [71] Antetokounmpo eventually guided the Bucks to a 6022 season and the best record in the league. "It's not like I can go back home to Nigeria and they can understand what I am saying. [152], Antetokounmpo also played with Greece at the 2016 Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game in 3 games played. and M.V.P. [35] He fulfilled his draft projections as a first-round pick by being selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. [126] On 1 May, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Antetokounmpo recorded his second career playoff triple-double with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 10189 win over the Boston Celtics. Upon moving to the US, Alex did not speak any English at all, but he has since mastered the language. Giannis is the third born of his family so by the time he was a toddler, he has two older brothers teaching him Greek, Yoruba and Igbo languages which were spoken in the Antetokounmpo household. He averaged less than 50% from the field only in his first two seasons. [160] Greece finished 11th in the tournament after they failed to advance past the second round, which was regarded as a disappointing result in national and international sports media. African born French Raised and US matured who speak 5 languages. If you get a perfect score on this quiz, it means you are a die-hard fan of this popular basketball player. [120] On February 15, Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points and grabbed 14 rebounds on 17-of-21 shooting from the field in a 128119 win against the Indiana Pacers; it marked only the 12th time in NBA history that a player has scored 50 or more points on 80% shooting or better. Highest scoring close-out Finals game in NBA history (50 points): Milwaukee Bucks. He realized he did not have enough money to take a cab for the game that day, so he had to run to the arena. You can prove your love for him just by answering a few questions about his personal and professional life. [56], On April 15, 2017, Antetokounmpo scored a playoff career-high 28 points in a 9783 win over the third-seed Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. While attending elementary school in Athens, his primary language was mostly Greek while at home, his parents would speak their native Nigerian languages with their sons. Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time and one of the greatest European players of all time. Giannis has four brothers Francis who was born in Nigeria before his parents migrated to Greece, Thanasis, Kostas and Alex (21 years old as of 2022). [178] As a result, Antetokounmpo increased his jump-shooting output, averaging a career-high 4.4 three-point goals attempted and 1.4 made per game in 201920. The 26-year-old Greek forward has sparked the Bucks to a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven NBA Finals with game six on Tuesday at Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis mastered English from his early days in the NBA in 2014. [24][25] Giannis is the colloquial for the Gr. [75] He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the second Bucks player to win MVP and became the third youngest player to win the MVP over the previous 40 seasons, behind Derrick Rose and LeBron James. Ever heard of the Ball brothers Highroller Nation Gear! Antetokounmpo began the 201920 season with a triple-double, recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 117111 season-opening win over the Houston Rockets on October 24, 2019. Both of my parents are black. Getty [21], After gaining Greek citizenship in 2013, his official surname became , the Greek transcription of Adetokunbo, which was then transliterated letter-for-letter and officially spelled on his Greek passport as Antetokounmpo. Like any athlete, Antetokounmpo needs the fuel that carbs supply, so he counts pasta as a healthy indulgence. [204] He went on to win the 2020 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across the six games, while shooting 45.8% from the field. Milwaukee won the game, but Antetokounmpo was also out for Game 5, when the Bucks were eliminated. Even though he was not selected as an all-star, the coaches let him play in the game as a treat for the fans. He is therefore the first player in NBA history to average a 31-14-6 line across an entire postseason. "Obviously, I was born in Greece and went to school in Greece. According to the Protein Teacher blog, Antetokounmpo might consume six meals in a day. Pronunciation: \YAHN-iss ah-dedo-KOON-bo\. I'm going to do whatever it takes for me and my team to be successful. Only player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five statistics of total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Third NBA player to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season: Milwaukee Bucks. "Growing up, me and my. 24, Giannis Antetokounmpo has become one of the game's most decorated players in less than a decade The Athletic", "Giannis Antetokounmpo wins 2021 NBA Finals MVP", "Giannis Antetokounmpo: NBA star's rise from 'hustling' on Athens streets to MVP award", "Adetokoubo's whirlwind saga just starting", "Greek-Nigerian prodigy makes NBA dream come true", "NBA Rookie Wants To Bring Hope To Greece, And To Milwaukee", "Giannis Antetokounmpo Wanted to Wear Sweats to the NBA Draft", "A Hunger for a Better Life May Lead to the N.B.A. This includes English, Spanish, and Papiamento (a Portuguese creole with African, Dutch, and Spanish influences) Albino Joe 1y ago LIVE Points 27 Rating Similar Questions What position does ozzie albies play? In the first round of the playoffs, they faced a rematch against the Miami Heat. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most . It's not like I'm fluent," Antetokounmpo said of Igbo. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in every one of the five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) in the 201617 regular season, becoming only the fifth NBA player to do so after Dave Cowens, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James; Nikola Joki have since matched it. Sons of Nigerian immigrants to Greece, Thanasis and Giannis were born and raised in the nation's capitol. Giannis is the third born of his family so by the time he was a toddler, he has two older brothers teaching him Greek, Yoruba and Igbo languages which were spoken in the Antetokounmpo household. Giannis is currently in his four-year $100 million deal, which he signed in 2017. [47] A couple of weeks later, Antetokounmpo recorded 27 points and 13 rebounds and made his first game-winning buzzer-beater, a 15-foot turnaround jumper which gave the Bucks a 105104 victory over the New York Knicks. Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo[a] (born Adetokunbo;[b] December 6, 1994) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). [55] He was also named the recipient of the NBA Most Improved Player Award for the 201617 season, becoming the first player in Bucks history to be named Most Improved Player. [58] The Bucks went on to lose Game 6 three days later despite a 34-point effort from Antetokounmpo, ending their season.[59]. [129][130] The Bucks would go on to lose to Celtics in Game 7 despite Antetokounmpos 25-point, 20-rebound, and 9-assist outing. On March 9, he scored a then career-high 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. ", "Heated Debate Around Antetokounmpo's Home Reflects Rift in Birthplace of Democracy", "Giannis Antetokounmpo 'feels both Greek and Nigerian', " ", "The best player in the NBA is 'Nigerian' but most Nigerians have no idea who he is", "Giannis Antetokounmpo received today his Greek citizenship. He also became the first Greek NBA All-Star. Antetokounmpo also finished the postseason by averaging 31.7 points, 14.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists across the 12 playoff games his Milwaukee Bucks played. [97] Antetokounmpo was ruled out for both Games 5 and 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals as a result of the knee injury. He has endorsements with Nike and Whtsapp. I grew up in a Nigerian home, Antetokounmpo explained to The Undefeated. His big hands Antetokounmpo's hands are huge, 12 inches to be precise. Powered by. Antetokounmpo broke out in song, singing each word perfectly. [85] Although the Bucks finished the seeding games with a 35 record, they set the best record in the NBA for the second consecutive year, finishing with a 5617 record. Box 4666, Ventura, CA 93007 Request a Quote: taurus 1911 45 acp extended magazine CSDA Santa Barbara County Chapter's General Contractor of the Year 2014! Giannis, Antetokounmpo family will attend citizenship ceremony. In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 and was named Finals MVP. [86] Antetokounmpo finished the season with an all-time record for single-season NBA Player Efficiency Rating (PER) with 31.9, as per Basketball Reference, having surpassed the previous record held by Wilt Chamberlain of 31.82. Subscribe now to be updated on the latest videos: youtube.com/nbaontnt?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with NBA on TNT: Follow NBA on TNT on Twitter: twitter.com/NBAonTNT Like NBA. Bucks star and girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger welcome Liam Charles Antetokounmpo", "Our healthy baby boy, Maverick Shai Antetokounmpo, was born on August 18, 2021", "Giannis Antetokounmpo Announces the Name of His Second Son", "Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson among stars aiding arena workers", "Antetokounmpo family donates 20,000 masks to Athens and Zografou", "Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo purchases stake in Milwaukee Brewers", "INTER VLOG - A jump and we're in the USA, CHICAGO - MILWAUKEE ", "Filip Forsberg, Giannis Antetokounmpo Join Nashville Soccer Club Ownership Group", NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giannis_Antetokounmpo&oldid=1142503200, Greek expatriate basketball people in the United States, Greek expatriate sportspeople in the United States, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association players from Greece, Naturalized citizens of the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with Greek-language sources (el), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.