Thanasis Antetokounmpo: “I play basketball because of the national team – that’s why I sing the national anthem with passion”

He spoke about the cult relationship he has with the National Team Thanasis Antetokounmpo to Basketnews emphasizing that she is the reason he plays basketball. In fact, he explained why sings the national anthem with such passion. The international forward spoke about the bond that this Greek team has that participates in the World Cupwhile he also referred to those who accuse him of playing for the Bucks and the NBA because of his brother, Giannis.

In detail, the 31-year-old ace spoke about:

– the national anthem that he sings with passion: “It’s an expression of appreciation. We were born and raised in Greece, it is a big deal for us to represent our country, our brothers and sisters, with whom we have been with all our lives.”

– the players who are absent from the national team competitions: “It is unfair for me to speak for them. We have always appreciated being here and playing giving up our summer and quality time with our families and ourselves. But basketball is a mental game. You need time after the end of the season. And we have to appreciate the children who are here. I think we should talk more about them. We have new faces and kids who are trying to succeed.”

-what he likes about the national team: “I like it very much. We are talking about the National team and I always like to play for them. The important thing is that we are united. We try to stick together, whatever the outcome. We have children who will be our future. They need to step forward a little earlier. It must be our future in 5-6 years, if we stop.”

-what does the national team mean to him: “I play basketball because of the National team. I fell in love with basketball because of her. I saw these teams play. Now I want to do the same for the kids, no matter what style of basketball they play, whether they are shooters or multi-position players with passion and toughness. I like to see kids who play like me. To make them believe that they can also play in the National team. To say they can play basketball because of this guy. I cringe because apart from the compliments you might hear, the best I’ve heard was ‘I started playing and I didn’t stop because I saw you play. Because you always play hard, you love it and I can see it in your eyes that you enjoy it.’ This doesn’t last forever.”

-how close he was to leaving the Bucks: “Pretty close. John is my brother and I love Milwaukee. But on the other hand I want to play. You always want to play and feel important. They say ‘he’s on the team because…’. But I thought why should I leave. I spoke to our new coach and he said he appreciates the way I play. When I heard him I decided that it was the right team for me. And you know how much I love Milwaukee and their fans. This town has embraced our family, so I didn’t think much of it. Sometimes you want to feel important and in some teams you get an opportunity. I was not only influenced by Giannis. We have an amazing staff at Bucks. There were these theories that ‘he’s going to stay in Milwaukee and we all know it’. But why was there this certainty? The goal is to win many championships and stay here forever. But I play basketball to play. In all jobs you want to feel important.”

-if it bothers him that they say he stays at the Bucks for his brother: “Everyone has their opinion. This only bothers you when it’s true. But if you see my route… Man, we didn’t have anything to eat. Who cares about an article. We had nothing to eat! I am a child of immigrants. I’m just doing my job. Nobody gives you anything in life. If you are not worth playing, it will be seen that you are out of place and time. Do those who have seen me play get that impression? I would not say that. Am I not athletic or fast? Then you understand that there are other reasons and who knows why such things are written. But what matters is how you feel. I feel good, I am happy and proud of my brothers. I try to do things off the court as well. The only thing that saddens me is that my father is not here. Only this, nothing else.”

-which US player would he trash talk with: “Portis! Just kidding, he’s my brother, he’s an awesome kid and I love him.”

– the message he thinks Giannis will send him before the game: “Just to enjoy it because all moments are unique. The floor for me is sacred, when I step on it I try to win, I give my best and give everything I have to give. And mostly I enjoy it.”