From Illegal Immigrant To Carrying Greece's Flag In Olympics (GIANNIS' STORY)

[@BasketNews_com]

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[@soik1401]

Greece didn’t have a shooting problem in last Eurobasket. In the Eurobasket in Germany the Germans played their best game ever until that point. They beat a very good Greece who only lost one game. The year after Germany became world champion playing that brand of basketball. So Greece played the wrong opponent at the wrong time if you ask me. A world class German team playing as underdogs in their home court.

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΔακτυλούδης]

Yep, I agree 100%. It was not an offensive problem. In fact, at halftime, we were ahead with a score that was something like 60-58! Our scoring in that tournament was 90 PPG. The problem was defensively. We got obliterated on the perimeter with Germany shooting lights out. They killed us from the 3-point line. Plus, we had no answer for Schröder's drives; he was either finishing with a layup or kicking the ball out for a three. The lack of defensive stoppers in the guard position was more than obvious. Of course, Itoudis didn't have an answer. Maybe we were not well prepared for Germany. Maybe we underestimated them. But Germany was definitely a great team and proved it the next year in the Worldbasket.

[@alexo5303]

They had a major shooting problem and their key centres were injured...Kostas + Papagiannis. Although Papagiannis played, he was injured. There was no Mitoglou at EuroBasket. Greece were depleted. You can't win easily with a B team.

[@praclarushtaonas7232]

I completely disagree with you... Greece had a MAJOR shooting problem and Germany was a terrible matchup due to Daniel Theis. Greece couldn't start with Giannis at 5 and leave Papagiannis at the bench... they'd risk Giannis getting into foul trouble early. So they were forced to start with both Giannis and Papagiannis, but neither of them could shoot. Papagiannis wouldn't even attempt shooting 3-point shots, 2 years ago. So Giannis would hit a wall because Theis was always under the basket waiting with 2 other players ready to provide help (no 3 second defensive violation in FIBA) and Papagiannis couldn't do what Lopez does for Giannis... spreading the floor. Also Giannis wouldn't match well with Sloukas, and he played better with Calathes who also is not a good 3-point shooter. And Papanikolaou who's an average shooter, is only a spot 3-point shooter... he can't shoot off the dribble. So not only they couldn't shoot but they were having trouble moving the ball around. The only guard on the roster who could play off the ball and take shots was Dorsey (he had a bad day offensively)... but Dorsey is a defensive liability. Greece lost by -9... Dorsey finished the game with a -21, Papanikolaou -21, Giannis -19, Papagiannis -13. And the best players for Greece was Laretzakis and Agravanis, just playing with heart. They were the ones along with Sloukas who kept the score tight. Going into the Olympics... the major difference is that Papagiannis can now shoot. Also Mitoglou is good in pick & pop plays... so even if a team builds a wall for Giannis (like Croatia did with Zubac and Saric), Giannis has more options.

[@dameleanis5426]

Greece after years try to find their chemistry because they meet only a few years and every year we have some players injured or wanted vacation because they play a lot of games ( like Sloukas this year and get me mad, because after years we have a good team)but yes we have a perfect future coach but i think (we gonna fight) but and Australia and Spain are so many years together ( Canada is like USA that's why i don't mention it)so I think it's gonna be a good basketballs games but I think we gonna third or fourth in the raking! Of course I want to win it all games but lets see what we've to see!! Άντε Ελλαδάρα κάνε μας ξανά να γουσταρισουμε!!!

[@dameleanis5426]

And my friend sorry, Germany last year was an amazing team! Every went in and the chemistry was there so it was not bad timing my friend you deserve it all even Serbia that I was so sure that this team will lasting last,but the brothers schröder and Theis was in terrific shape my friend! And one last thing is that i grow up in Germany ( I'm 43,and i was there 88' until 98' aber ich habe vergessen meine Deutsch so ich bin,I feel tragic weil alle diese jahre ich sprech gar nichts Deutsche und dann wenn ich komme zum Griechenland ich starte zu lerne English, sorry if I wrote something false aber ich remember it from schule und ich wer a good student ich war in real schule after the fourth klasse ! So meine Freund happy to talk to you und last jahre you were the beste basketball team! And this year they playing a good defence because of Spanoulis, everybody respect Spanoulis even the towels so i want to see calathes with Woke up how they gonna prepares for this matches and if we have a good shooter because we don't have some one to say ok we have him so we've no problem so let the Olympics begin!! Good luck to everybody and win the best ( USA)!!

[@nicolaoudinos]

couldn't be more proud to have Giannis carry the Greek flag.

[@kostasoly9318]

Giannis loves and respects Greece..Thats why he had the Greek flag in Draft night🇬🇷

[@Cell9074]

And that’s all that matters 😂

[@greekphotographer1]

bullshit

[@Cell9074]

@@greekphotographer1 what is bullshit

[@dudebro777]

@@greekphotographer1 your mom

[@elg7365]

Giannis wasnnt illegal immigrant,he was born in Greece. But greece has not born into greek citizenship. We are a getaway country to illegal immigration,so it is not so easy to do it.

[@mystery_buff]

Man, growing up in Greece is tough no matter if you're alien or not,i mean i was born in South Africa with my both parents being Greek,and oh boy did i learn about racism at a very young age. Although Greek have one very Great quality,that is when some people support you,they will do it till the end. I am so happy that philathliticos gave Gianni's the opportunity to get into the sport,and Also so happy for all his family subduing any obstacles and manage so great... Keep on being great 👍

[@OMGitsTerasu]

Thanasis is the reason why Giannis wanted to play basketball. His family is the reason why he kept playing.

[@dazyroze]

He got the passport at 17, one full year before going to NBA. He was actually helped by Greeks to go to the NBA. In every country, there are immigration rules. His parents entered Greece illegally and never applied for asylum. They were involved in illegal business, selling fake goods in black market. Not paying taxes or health insurance. According to law, Greece should have deported them! But Greece kept them in. His parents were helped to have 4 kids. They were born in Greek hospitals, they went to Greek schools, they learned playing basketball in Greece. Their neighbors, their church community, their school teachers, their schoolmates and teammates, their coaches, their godmothers, they all loved and helped those kids. Giannis is aware of all these, that's why his loves Greece.

[@georgemarco11]

yea man those guys, although they travel !!?, seem to pretend (or don't even care to know) they don't actually know europes "illegal" immigration problem and the state greece is in...!!? (just to fill a pod for kids and unmatured adults content... based on a disney film they watched) while their countries are closing their borders. like greece, was all those immigrants dream destination. only the rich ones made it to their destinations, all the "rest" are still here (they just don't sell fake glasses..). and eventhough.. it was just like you described it... and still is.!!? (in much harder times..)

[@Dee-KV3]

Well said

[@sakispdsw]

Dont tell them facts, it will go against their agenda.

[@OneDeSIRE17]

I know him personally and if another European country was offering him in 2012 citizenship he would take it on spot. This is the situation your mpourdelo state brought him. There was no law to kick them out so don’t fucking say Greece kept them in. The only truth is that indeed some people helped them but they also faced the bad side of racism. Greece has some nice people who deserve all the best but the government did not help him until the moment he was going to participate in nba drafts even though he was born in this country.

[@dazyroze]

@@OneDeSIRE17 Ibet you haven't even seen him from a distance of 100m. Explain to us why he didn't get the Nigerian citizenship that he had the right to get by birth. And instead remained stateless. Bourdelo states are the Nigerian and the Albanian (your home country) who screw over their citizens who end up in Greece to get a decent life. Giannis appeciated what Greece did for him that''s why he plays in its national team. If you don't like Greece, then go back to Albania.

[@CASIUSGELAEI]

You have no doubt, Soviet type bureaucracy in Greece does not discriminate in white and black, it makes it difficult for all and Antetokounbos know that.

[@GusGunner]

for all illegal imigrants you mean?

[@wittycheetah]

The part that surprised me the most was that they lived in Germany before coming to Greece. If it hadn't been for Charles A. getting injured, they probably would've stayed in Germany and Giannis would be German, or who knows what would've happened! Crazy how things turn out. I'd love to see Greece finishing on the podium but there are so many quality opponents in the Olympics. I think that even if we finish with a bronze medal it would be a huge success for Greece! This Greek team feels like the best one we had since our last Golden Generation team with Diamantidis, Papaloukas and Spanoulis, and I love that we are not so dependent on Giannis anymore. Who knows, the sky is the limit and every game will be a battle!

[@captainzursee3071]

Yeah imagine him and Dennis on the same team 😂

[@spyrop.8428]

It wasn't personal, it wasn't racist, it wasn't nationalist, the almighty Greek bureocracy will gladly screw up anyone. It surely did my family in multiple ways, and my DNA heritage test says we've been Greek for thousands of years.

[@VoltesWithElias]

Bureaucracy is everywhere. It's not confined to Greece.

[@athena10867]

@@VoltesWithEliasGreek bureaucracy is special. I’m 100% Greek own land in Greece and pay taxes and Greece. Both my parents are born there but my parents went to college here but my parents left Grace is adults because I wasn’t officially declared when I was born because it was during the. Junta I’ve been battling to get my Greek citizenship for years now and I have all the paperwork. Nothing I mean if it’s difficult for me who actually lived here at one point in the 1980s how difficult would it be somebody like Giannis.

[@Αναστάσιος-σ8υ]

​@@VoltesWithEliasyou have no idea what you are talking about.

[@VoltesWithElias]

@@athena10867 I don't disagree with you, I am also a Greek citizen and pay taxes. But have you lived outside of Greece? Bureaucracy is everywhere that's all I'm saying. Even Greece. But not only Greece. Have you tried applying for citizenship in Australia for example? Or anywhere else?

[@VoltesWithElias]

@@Αναστάσιος-σ8υ Are you telling me Bureaucracy only exists in Greece? I think you need to get out more.

[@sportsvavra13]

I'm Greek and proud 👏 🥲 🥰 ✌

[@Trapligo]

Being a greek and seeing giannis keep trying to win from 2014 to 2024 is so emotional

[@dimitra2742]

Giannis will be the first athlete to start the parade of athletes, not just the Greek flag bearer

[@annamohr4604]

Hello from Greece. Many times I felt thankful to Giannis and his family for keeping the Greek colors height.Nice video.Thank you.

[@PersonaPrime]

This video comes across as very ignorant. I am not saying Giannis and his family faced 0 racism, but he also had a lot of people who actually helped, but you only focused on the negative to make it sound much worse than it was. Yeah, he had a tough time, but they were immigrants with no papers. The fact that they were not sent away, like other countries would do, shows how hospitable Greece and the Greek people are. He represents Greece because even though he had a tough life, he also had a lot of people who did help him and support him and Greece gave him a chance other countries wouldn't.

[@rockysalvatore435]

He's the type of leftist that really doesn't want to debate immigration or nationalism lol

[@rockysalvatore435]

He doesn't deserve that chance period. Sports aren't important. A nation's well being is. Hobbies

[@buttersstotch5845]

Wow Greece is so hospitable! Yet if he was born in the United States, for example, he would have received the citizenship right away. You're just racism apologist.

[@Cooe.]

​@@rockysalvatore435Found the racist. 🤷

[@mystery_buff]

Becides racism is a world wide problem and not a Greek.

[@YosemiteTre]

Im with Greece this time even the bracket is freaking deadly with Canada Australia and Spain

[@Vasilikiii4]

I am greek and completely not bias so I thing Greece will win the Olympics!!! 😎

[@Vasilikiii4]

🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙

[@dimitrisdim3995]

MEGA GIANNIS❤ Thanks Greece🇬🇷. Thanks America🇺🇸 🥰😍🤩💯

[@greekfreakfan]

Giannis is the best player in the NBA and the world

[@mpslegalcom7697]

Giannis deserves credit & kudos for surviving in his young years during the EU financial crisis that decimated southern EU countries for many years--especially Greece! He's a Winner & has a long way to go! His traditional family ethic & hard work is an example to other young athletes everywhere in the world! Great video!

[@Michalis_Sideratos]

You said it as it is. Because of these hurdles he had to come through we are proud he represents the Greek Nation... NOT the State, that's failed a long time ago.

[@themis_oikon1157]

Only RESPECT for this guy

[@ouaman6733]

For the record, the Greeks as Orthodox Christians, are tolerant of immigrants and the parishes were already helping as Giannis has already said publicly (that the priest of his parish did helped him a lot). However in the years of the crisis the problem of immigrants was huge for the Greeks and for the immigrants themselves. This is to avoid misunderstandings about how things were in Greece back then. The other thing worth noting is that Giannis' upbringing was excellent and helped his family to feel Greece as home, to live as a Greek and then to be accepted as a Greek while this is not always the case. In conclusion, I believe that Giannis' story teaches us many things, most importantly the need to show understanding for the problems of others, not only immigrants but all people. And of course the people who are in the greatest need whether they are immigrants or natives should also be shown greater care, Jesus asks for being there for all those in need, next to us, regardless whether they are immigrants or natives and we all need to consider that more nowadays. Giannis ... thanks for all the great moments and the lessons all these years...and basketnews thanks for all your great videos

[@mpslegalcom7697]

All great points! Greece was struggling hard those years Giannis was growing up trying to pay high-interest debts to (bankrupt/failed) German banks. All Greeks were suffering that decade. But Giannis is what matters and he understands this and loves his country, the one that gave him his opportunities to shine. The "news video" is negative--but most of them are ignorant of context and facts anyway. This guy is no different nor worse than most, unfortunately!

[@JoyMadrugada]

Lol bro for Athenean hoods playing basket with all types of color ppl was at least fron 00s normal ...i even had the oppurtunity to play with Thanasi in Aigaleo one time

[@MrGHawaii]

If you are not cheering for Giannis at this point, you're probably a sociopath. Go Greece!

[@theomaniatis-xj6xs]

GIANNIS AND HIS FAMILY THATS WHO I CALL REAL GREEKS LEVENDES

[@panostsarouchas4809]

Greece all time starting 5 PG:Nick Galis SG:Spanoulis SF:Diamantidis PF:Printezis/Fotsis debatable C:Antetokounmpo 6th man:Theo papaloukas Coach:Panagiotis Giannakis

[@philip5454]

I would put Galis at SG and Spanoulis at PG since Galis was a better scorer and Spanoulis is a better passer. Plus Bill played PG in his whole career while Galis spent many years playing as a SG. And Diamantidis playing SF feels kinda wrong but i guess he is way too good to be out of the starting lineup.

[@Michalis_Sideratos]

Συμφωνώ.... αλλά. Βγάλε Φώτση, βάλε Χριστοδούλου... τέλη 80 αρχές 90 ήταν για ΝΒΑ, ο τύπος ήταν σε άλλο επίπεδο.

[@gysahlfields7506]

Φώτσης εννοείται. Ο Πρίντεζης είναι 4ος Power Forward, πίσω από Γιάννη, Φώτση, Τσαρτσαρή. 12αδα: 1st Team (small ball): 1) Diamantidis 2) Galis 3) Spanoulis 4) Fotsis 5) Giannis 2nd Team: 1) Calathes 2) Papaloukas 3) Giannakis 4) Tsartsaris 5) Bourousis Backups: 11) Sloukas 12) Zisis

[@kostasoly9318]

​@@philip5454Fanis Christodoulou is our best 4...This is known..

[@djcoolsymi4799]

​@@philip5454diamantidis had the size to play as SF and the best results at 2005-06 Greece played with 3 guards. But in this squad I would put Giannis as PF and Fasoulas as C.

[@katireei7761]

I see in every video Lithuanian funs to be sooooo proud that their national team is so "pure" and doesn't have naturalized or immigrant children and bla bla and now this video feels ho hypocritical without addressing that issue on Lithuania before speaking for another country.

[@KezeMega-gz8ws]

Εινε τεραστιοσ ΑΓΑΠΑΜΕ ΓΙΑΝΝΗ❤❤❤

[@georgiosrigas8094]

Excellent. Thank you

[@LitsaG-lh4ss]

Boy for some reason you don't like Greece too much. Not only in this video, but other ones you made that have to do with Greece. You stress only on the negative things. Unfortunately racism is everywhere and alot worse in some other countries. I'm sure you know this.. There is no perfect country!. Do you ever wonder why Giannis and his family love Greece so much no matter what they read and hear? What's the purpose of your nagativity to the whole nation of Greece??? Respect to the parents for the way they raised their children. Just my opinion.

[@tfrf0042]

💕💕💕

[@Hellios-Apollon]

The problem isn't Antetokoumbo. The problem is when you see a European team without Europeans. (see France both at football and at basketball...). Sadly if that racial mixing of Europe and Africa keeps going, in a few years, most of the European players will be black. Some may like that... But I don't.

[@gdchalatsis000]

Racist alert

[@mtath]

get lost, honestly

[@Levi-lr4vi]

I wonder why France has so many Africans? It's not like they have a whole French-speaking region in Africa or anything. Must just be by coincidence.... lol.

[@kiros75]

Do you know why you dont like this? See a therapist and you might get to the root of your problem if its not a matter of intellectual capacity.

[@squozerrplays7365]

We live in a globalised world

[@katireei7761]

Thanks God Giannis doesn't see all things one-sided like the writer of the video does because he would never play for Greece. Also Lithuanians make us lessons on racism? How many immigrant children you have in your national team?

[@MeLoveParisHilton]

Brothers Lavrinovičiai are ethnically Polish. But illegal immigrants thankfully do not want to come to Lithuania until recently.

[@katireei7761]

@@MeLoveParisHilton -We give Greeks lessons on racism... -"Thankfully" ...

[@MeLoveParisHilton]

@@katireei7761 not wanting illegal immigrants in your country = racism?

[@mpslegalcom7697]

Let wonderful EU pro-nazi EU countries give "lessons" to Greece that has given a home to thousands of migrants/refugees and the people of the isle of Lesvos were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2015 for helping migrants and refugees on that island & saving many lives! And all this while Greece was struggling paying high-interest debt to German failed/bankrupt banks! Giannis had to survive in tough conditions like all of Greece that period.

[@katireei7761]

@@MeLoveParisHilton bruh Giannis' parents were illegal too, should we have sent Giannis back to Africa? Then what's the point of the video?

[@GBUGanon87]

I am suprised that this video has such a Anti-Greek vibe, despite your best wishes in the end for a medal. Giannis has said multiple times that he didnt experience racism in Greece. Though if your sources is the disney Movie Rise about Giannis and his family, i can see why you would think this way. The matter with his passport was just bureaucracy and was just a matter of time to be solved. I ask you only this. If Greece was so horrible to GIannis and his Family, why does he loves representing us and spends each summer in Greece? IF there such Racism, how come he is the biggest star in Greece? Maybe his life in Greece wasnt as horid as you present it.

[@philip5454]

His life did suck but it wasn't (only) because of Greece

[@stri2003]

Personally i would love to see an african kid like Giannis to be born and play for Lithouania, Latvia , Srbia etc.

[@kosdaf2957]

In an old interview, Giannis said it was difficult to be black in Greece. Also, he talked about another black basketball player who didn't take citizenship because he wasn't good enough in basketball. Of course the interview was for an american media and never got publicity in Greece. He doesn't talk too much about the racism in Greece because he remember the fuss that happened with the Greek Frick Nation shirt during the G-League All star game. Finally as Greeks we must say the truth, only Aficans, Albanians and Bulgarians fight with the bureaucracy for the citizenship, if you are for a rich country the whole process it's easier

[@trelosgatos]

lol you have no idea what you're talking about. Greece is full of racists, the example you used proves this as well btw. when he was coming up most people were bigots to him. now that he's a star he's celebrated

[@rtaparauskas]

Mate, in Lithuania it would be impossible for him to get citizenship, except president would sign by himself as a special occasion. Our government took away citizenship from from Žydrūnas Ilgauskas 2 times nba all star player born and raised in Kaunas. So believe me, Greece did not sound bad at least for us:)

[@GusGunner]

Illegal entry is punishable with imprisonment or fine, and ofcourse departure + re-entry ban. In which universe they sould be awarded with Greek passport for their crime?

[@chris-nq5nc]

He is not the first black athlete to play for Greece

[@pavlospitselas2982]

USA are a multiethnic state, so any can carrying as represntative the (multiethnic) state's Flag. Greece is monoethnic state, made from Greek people for Greek people host, so a different descent can not express as flag's representative the Greek nation. To ancient years is prohibit if someone hasa NO Greek descent, to participate to Olympic games. Now the modern ones, are called Olympic games, though, they do not make them in Olympia, Greece, neither are monoethnic, but participate many nations worldwide. So rules changed to the participation mode, this violate the core of what Greece is, and what Olympic games represent, but we bypass this, as a shared to rest of the world, way of living. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a hard working person, who deserves respect. He & the Greek state's officials, choose to participate with Greece, to a violated Olympic games core. But he is not representative of Greek gennera, same as if you, me or anyone could not carry Nigeria's nation flag, if Nigeria comitee choose us to participate and if we accept this. So its not about offense to anyone, its about representing identity civilisation's values. So the basic meaning is that Greek civilisation values are breached, from this political deccission, which is not a fault of Giannis. Greek state, and Greeks have many ways to honor Giannis, giving a road with his name, a new basketball stadium name etc etc not represanting a different descent nation, nation is not the law, is the become, the descent, the edjucation identity and the law, unfortunately many modern nations, have different civilisation rules, and different society, so its not about racism, or offence, its about represantion and values. Today states have no common values. And also in Greece the politicians try hard to abandon Greek civilisation values, as political system is complete corrupted, so they vote laws that support this multiethnic soup, infact offending the (Nigerian) descent (identity) of Giannis to our case, its not offensive if a Nigerian wants and fight for Greece, but he can not represent the majority of the nation as symbol, as also we can not full all any Greek national team with different nationality descent people, but only some rare exceptions, and that only if both sides, athletes, people, society, accepted, and law enable it. Its not all state's made in the same way, neither have same values. Monoethnic State is the indigenous locals, and this a continious in time Hellenism Greek civilisation Value.

[@doggerlander]

But greeks are turk/slav race

[@Blankframe12]

It meant a ton to giannis

[@xenofonkarykis8417]

It is a great story but there are Olympians and gold medalists that should be probably carrying the flag instead, no disrespect to Giannis who is also among the best in his field but it is somewhat unfair to existing Greek goldmedalists (in other sports) in the current team to be trailing behind someone who is not a goldmedalist yet. Good for flavour, great story and hopefully Giannis will also become an Olympic Greek goldmedalist but perhaps not entirely fair to other athletes.

[@dameleanis5426]

This year im gonna like it because all the teams have a good team and every friendly goes 1-2 up 1-2down ,so I think we gonna have the best games this Olympics and I like foul,so lets start,go Greece!!! Difficult because and Canada and Australia and Spain are incredibles teams to beat! So Giannis i want from you in every match 40p20r10as. Im joking but Greece is not the favourite maybe as the best third but again every team we gonna play it's unbelievable! So let see some luck,but in end USA logical gonna take with this team! So lets see

[@Spyros.ts13]

So much truth! Thank you for your video

[@Manuel-04]

7:58 wasnt Spanoulis on that team?

[@Cooe.]

0:05 ... Actually is also IS a Hollywood movie. 🤣 (Disney made a Giannis biopic a few years ago.)

[@dameleanis5426]

Εύχομαι όχι οι νέες γενιές να γίνουν τέτοιοι παιχταραδες αλλά να πάρουν έστω κάτι από τον χαρακτήρα του γιατί είναι παράδειγμα προς μίμηση το παλικάρι!

[@makismakbal3684]

HE IS THE BEST

[@theRealDeusLoVult]

Half made up stories, half truths, half research, bad job mate….

[@juanp77]

Giannis is a greek God...the skin color and the roots are never forgotten..but he played with heart and passion like greeks doing always. Their Team have a huge potential and they could be a top favorit on the Olympics and the next european and world comeptitions. We love their game!!! Amazing Team work. If we look today to another mediteranean country with immigration problems like Spain and the example in football, nobody discuss about the 2 black players in their team. They are spanish players and part of Spain. They won the Euro championship and this two boys Nico Williams and Lamin Yamal got World Super Stars ..The whole country ALL SPAIN LOVE them...same LIKE ALL GREEKS and the whole country Greece loves Giannis, Thanasis, Kosta and their Family....they are part of Greece with and without Sport and today current nationalplayers. Everything starts in this crazy Basketball Nation Greece, and influenced the boys around of Giannis to get Basketball Players. God thanks of this Greek guys which forced them to play this beautyfull sport. This country and all cicumstances make them huge athlets, amazing humble persons and they thanks this to God and to their birthplace Greece. It is like a fairytale and an amazing Story with this difficult background...he and his family is a example for every child. RESPECT to Giannis and his brothers and all their family. Iam sure that Giannis wants to win a big competition to dedicate it to his father Charles which is today in heaven.

[@GioBall]

The racist card is not valid for Greece. We dont have colonial past (we were slaves of the ottomans the same era as African slave trades took place) and we didnt have immigration because we were always poor in comparison with other European countries. If you have said that we re prejudiced against other religeons i wouldnt say anything because its true. But melanine is no issue for us. Giannis parents just came to a country without the proper legislation, by todays standarts, about immigrants

[@dazyroze]

The immigration legislation in Greece is appropriate and is the same to the one of the EU and most developed countries outside EU. There are rules because not everyone can enter a country illegally and live uncontrollably. His parents didn't do what they should do. They entered illegally, ok, then they should apply for asylum to be recorded as refugees. They didn't do that, they chose to live unregistered, and although the state knew about their existence (births in public hospital, attendance in Greek public schools) it didn't take the only action that they should take according to the Greek constituent. To deport them. The kids became eligible to apply for the Greek nationality when they completed their compulsory education in Greek schools. The same applies to the kids of thousand Albanians who have entered the country illegally. It's impossible to give everyone the Greek nationality/citizenship and automatically the EU citizenship as soon as they enter illegally a European country. They need to show a strong connection to that country. If they were registered as refugees, things would be different, and they could have got both the Greek and Nigerian nationality earlier. It's Nigeria that didn't actually recognised them until they became famous. Apparently, because his parents didn't take any action to registered them as Nigerians either. Thus, in Giannis case, a great responsibility about the Greek nationality issue lies into his parents actions. That's the truth.

[@pennybleta2300]

​@@YL2019But we don't view other races as inferior that's what he explained. It's not a race thing kid. It was an illegal immigration thing. Still to this day illegal immigrants are treated better than us by the system. And also it's a matter of homogenouality as most of us are of one race and ethic identity. We are not a multicultural multi culti like the US so having different type of races can seem a little shocking for us at first. But we are not racist against them. In fact I prefer people of color to white people. And their cultures are way better and worthy of our own. The only white people I am fond of culturaly are the Balkans. And Mediterraneans. Only these can we relate to the most. And Asians are for me way above the US because of their fascinating history similar to ours. I like countries with their own identity and culture and the US is not it. The only thing I respect from there are the extinguished local people.

[@dazyroze]

@@YL2019 It's not discrimination. It's application of the law. The same immigration law that exists in all developed countries.

[@Gehinomlezvuvim]

​@@YL2019ok Albanian

[@Gehinomlezvuvim]

​@@YL2019If you believe we aren't superior,then SHOW us plz your country s contribution to humanity 🥱Can you? Oh you don't?

[@elendinaxydopoulou8850]

The Baltic's Democraties have a very "dark " past at WW2 in matters of racism and others similar political issues. Lets saying no more... so please do not accuse us here in Greece- with at least 1.500.000 illegal emigrands in a total population of 10.500.000 milion people- for racism, taking advantage of Giannis case. I do love this basketball site. Better restrainted in basket. With respect and no hard feelings.

[@yeezet4592]

Huh

[@mpslegalcom7697]

Absolutely! The Greeks of Lesvos Island were nominated 2015 for the Nobel Peace Prize for helping save and for supporting hundred of migrants & refugees. Kudos to Giannis who survived, when growing up, during a tough decade in a country like Greece that was struggling financially (paying hi-interest rates to German banks). Those were tough years but his strong family ethic was key to his success and help he received in his country and the U.S.

[@arisarsenis3500]

Despite all commments and all possible connotations, really irrelevant anyway, there are a very few people in Athens who they still call him Yanakis (a pet name meaning little Yannis or little John, if you like). These very few people are the ones that, without any second thoughts or stereotypes, supported him, his brothers and his family, he is privileged because he met them and they are privilleged to know this great guy, I guess that when he recognizes their voice calling him Yanaki, he will let anything he does with whatever guys might be with at this time.

[@iwannisbalaouras1687]

yanakis is not a pet name 😂😂

[@lethargicmosquito]

@@iwannisbalaouras1687 "pet name" είναι το "χαιδευτικό"

[@arisarsenis3500]

@@iwannisbalaouras1687 Oh, really..?

[@tonisgar9069]

Just some clarifications. You can hardly find some black Greeks in Greece. The most popular ones (Schortsianitis and Isaias Matiaba) are children of Greeks married Africans. There were a period of high immigration rates from Africa but the most of them settled in Athens. So in the rest of the country seeing a black Greek will indeed seem like an alien. Nevertheless, nowadays in Athens there are many black Greeks due to the fact that immigrants (like the Antetokounmpo's) have had children who were raised in Greece, speak greek and have a greek mindset. Nikos Pappas, ex-PAO player, said that the neighbourhood where Antetokounmpos were raised (Sepolia) had really embraced and helped them. Giannis, also said, that Pappas has given him his first basket shoes. I am writing all these because I don't want Greece to be characterised as a racist country. It is, though, a common trait of societies that are largely homogeneous, like Greece (98% Greeks) to be a bit more reluctant to accept difference in large quantities, but Greeks, in general, when they meet someone, can accept them easily. After all, in our religion we say "we are all children of God". Mind you, in this downward spiral that we live in, where everyone is looking to save themselves, social cohesion is being destroyed. But then again, Greeks have held up well in the last few years.

[@gamzilo]

Adetokumbo is Nigerian GIANNIS UGO ADETOKOUMBO

[@gamzilo]

His mom is IGBO NIGERIAN while his dad is YORUBA NIGERIAN

[@gamzilo]

Kostas and his brothers all have NIGERIAN passports

[@sgeosg]

You wouldnt know him if he stayed in nigeria

[@gamzilo]

@@sgeosg and you claim him because his is famous, how many Africans in Greece do you claim or treat with love huh, we Nigerian or Africans in general claim our blood any where in the world even does with mixed parents, whether they have a Bad rep or not, don't forget he wasn't a citizen until 38days to when he got drafted. And the only reason he was given the citizenship is because he was a prospect and Greece wanted him to represent the country. There are a lot of Blacks that have stayed in Greece for ages without citizenship, so what makes him different. I bet if he commits a crime he automatically becomes Nigerian

[@stri2003]

How many tribes in Nigeria? How many different languages and religions in Nigeria bro? It seems Nigerians you are not one nation.

[@zarko_zarko]

Giannis is the new dna of Greece and we are proud of this!

[@Gehinomlezvuvim]

Τράβα @@@ ρε Αλβανε

[@gamzilo]

Obviously you would love him until he has a stain on his name then you remember his is African and Nigerian 😂😂

[@Forsaken007-gc7oj]

Greeks are White.

[@greoko]

No.

[@zarko_zarko]

@@greoko yeap

[@io2068]

😢 hard

[@remiperdriau4958]

The greek freak is the goat. The greek god. So great to see giannis with the Greece team in the olympic games in Paris. Lets go Greece

[@greekphotographer1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@katireei7761]

Ok it's all good and fair criticism only if you have expressed the same views for Lithuania and Lithuanian national team in the past. Have you ever defended the idea that Lithuanian team should have immigrants and naturalized players? I think not. And I also think that in Lithuania is even more difficult to acquire a passport than Greece. So no, I don't think the criticism is well intended from your part. If you mention on a future live that you are in favor of an idea to include immigrants to Lithuanian national team then I could say the criticism was fair.

[@MeLoveParisHilton]

There's lots of discussions going on about that right now given our recent poor performance. The opinion can be summarised as - we are against naturalised players, but in favour of someone who cares deeply about Lithuania and has spent time here, speaks the language, i.e. the case of Giannis. Thing is there's no one to choose from anyways as Lithuania hasn't exactly been the target country for illegal immigrants, until recently.

[@Giogos-zp8ut]

I have never heard eny antetokounmpos speak about racism. Wasn't Greece didn't provided Greek citizen. Is EU ruling. If they given citizen card then you're European and every one will left to more Prosper country's

[@evangeloslagoudis2448]

Kudos to Giannis and his brothers they did not become drug dealers or thiefs or liars like YOU to make a living.

[@imulippo5245]

What kind of targetman has football losed in Giannis...

[@AnTana-zt9ln]

Crazy living your whole life stateless and only getting citizenship at 18 and only because you're very good at a sport. "Go back to your home" when the only home he ever knew was the one they were telling him to leave.

[@philip5454]

Part of what you said is true but If it wasn't about Greece Giannis wouldn't be where he is today. It's no secret that Greece's government is... really bad, but at the same time some people really help him be the person he is today. If i was Giannis I would represent Greece because no matter how bad the government might be there are some really really nice people (and some assholes but this is another thing) and I would rather represent them than a country that even tho is part of me have never been to or know anyone.

[@dazyroze]

He got the passport at 17, one full year before going to NBA. He was actually helped by Greeks to go to the NBA. In every country, there are immigration rules. His parents entered Greece illegally and never applied for asylum. They were involved in illegal business, selling fake goods in black market. Not paying taxes or health insurance. According to law, Greece should have deported them"!" But Greece kept them in. His parents were helped to have 4 kids. They were born in Greek hospitals, they went to Greek schools, they learned playing basketball in Greece. Their neighbors, their church community, their school teachers, their schoolmates and teammates, their coaches, their godmothers, they all loved and helped those kids. Giannis is aware of all these, that's why his loves Greece.

[@AnTana-zt9ln]

@@dazyroze I don't believe what you've contradicts my original comment by much. I was just pointing out what a strange situation it must have been for him to live 17/18 years stateless and being told at various points to go back to his home, when that was the only home he ever knew. He certainly didn't choose to be born to Greece by immigrant parents that immigrated illegally. As for the rest of the comment, I'll take your word for it, and I guess that's the reason why Giannis feels a strong affinity for the greek NT which is what the video was centered around.

[@AnTana-zt9ln]

@@philip5454 Oh my comment wasn't absolutely meant to bad mouth Greece. I'm aware that some assholes don't represent the whole country, and I'm aware he feels a strong affinity towards Greece. I was just putting myself into young Giannis shoes and pointing out what a weird situation it must have been.

[@philip5454]

@@AnTana-zt9ln Then I agree with you.👍

[@Hermes-hy6hg]

ΠΑΜΕ ΕΘΝΙΚΗ!

[@Hermes-hy6hg]

ATOUTALER!

[@giannislainas5187]

Greek laws when it comes for non natives to get citizenship are very strict,especially before SYRIZA goverment that they modernized them somewhat. No im not SYRIZA,before anyone says it. Im just stating facts. Compared to the average European laws,Greek laws are still strict by the way. Kids born here dont get citizenship automaticaly today also. They just have are given a chance to get citizenship before they become 18 year old and they have attented Greek school for 9 years or something. If they become 19 they lose the right to claim citizenship afterwards. At least thats what i know to be the case. You only have to ask all the hundred of thousands Albanians that are living in the country for decades now how easy it is/was for their kids that were born here to get citizenship. Especially back then. It was pretty much impossible. So its not like Giannis and his family was targeted cause of their skin or anything.

[@Colonia33]

So the “ what went wrong with greek basketball “ is now pure propaganda about racism ! Complexes

[@wolfm33]

Some "fun" facts about Giannis and his passport. -In 2010 the then Greek government tried to simplify citizenship procedures for foreign children born in Greece in order to finally allow them to get papers if they went to Greek school. Conservative politicians sued and the reform was abolished by the courts as unconstitutional. -In 2014 Giannis was going to the draft and the Greek basketball federation was worried that the Nigerians were trying to "steal" Giannis from Greece. They convinced the government to finally grant Giannis his papers. You want to hear a great joke. The prime minister at the time, who was pushed to give Giannis his papers was one of the conservative politicians who sued in 2010 to abolish the citizenship reform. Even today (he's no longer prime minister of course) he considers foreigners a destructive influence in Greek society. -Far right extremists were openly suggesting that Giannis was unfairly drafted and that this was nothing more than a globalist plot and that Giannis would be a massive failure in the NBA.

[@Forsaken007-gc7oj]

He hasn't won anything for Greece, so far. Not sure, if he ever will either...

[@theomaniatis-xj6xs]

GREECE WILL GO FURTHER THAN LITHUANIA

[@konstantinosdedes327]

We dont deserve him

[@mpslegalcom7697]

Giannis deserves kudos for his hard work and strong family ethic that enabled him to survive (while growing up in Greece) during the tough financial decade when Greece was paying hi-interest loans to failed German banks & all Greeks were suffering. The people of Lesvos were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for Peace for helping & saving many migrants & refugees. Greece does indeed deserve Giannis and he acknowledges his love of country and respects the friendships & love he found there that enabled him to survive and thrive!

[@ahfei6847]

And then geek fans, along with their Balkan neighbours keep on slandering the French team for not being " French enough"...

[@honeybadger6916]

Prava krv starih Grka, potomak Aleksandra Velikog, Aristotela, Sokrata...

[@dazyroze]

National teams consist of athletes who hold the nationality/citizenship of a specific country. The nationality/citizenship represents a legal bond between an individual and the state, entailing well-defined rights and responsibilities. This is different from ethnicity. If participation was restricted solely to individuals with the country’s genetic heritage, we would refer to them as ethnic teams rather than national ones.

[@greekphotographer1]

this is what rubbish we became, a foreign african millionaire to carry our olympic/greek flags. ancient greeks fought for glory and were poor.

[@aftermeta6556]

Rejection? There are a lot of Greek talented children that nobody pays them to play BB. So he was lucky to born in Greece ( BB nation) .Time to give something back...

[@wakeno.6047]

Did you even watch the video? Greek government was and still is corrupted. They had Giannis and his family ( like almost all immigrants in greece) without papers. Giannis couldn't play anywhere cause of that, if he wasn't selected by NBA he still would be like that.

[@aftermeta6556]

@@wakeno.6047 I know we call it law...(he could have nigerian pass when ever he wanted) .If you dont know the procedure i can explain to you..

[@Gehinomlezvuvim]

​@@wakeno.6047cry more then about it

[@gdchalatsis000]

​@@aftermeta6556 you call law granting nationality only if you are drafted in the NBA? Strange laws for a modern democracy. It must be something similar with the proud nationalities given to millionaires via the golden visa disgrace.

[@aftermeta6556]

@@gdchalatsis000 The way you use the word democracy shows that you don't understand it and i am sure you also dont like it ..

[@rockysalvatore435]

0:02 sports are not as important as immigration control. Unless you're black and trying to associate yourself w yt countries

[@Αναστάσιος-σ8υ]

He shouldn't carry the flag because he has no olympic medal

[@user-jk2rq8vc1hj8]

From illegal immigrant to illegal immigrant. Naturalization is a manace. It has destroyed the essence of national teams in Europe. Giannis as a pure Nigerian, should have played for Nigeria

[@GioBall]

All the people like Giannis who are born in foreign countries should go back to Africa and work there or your mindset apply only to basketball players?

[@mtath]

get lost

[@dazyroze]

National teams consist of athletes who hold the nationality/citizenship of a specific country. The nationality/citizenship represents a legal bond between an individual and the state, entailing well-defined rights and responsibilities. This is different from ethnicity. If participation was restricted solely to individuals with the country’s genetic heritage, we would refer to them as ethnic teams rather than national ones

[@GioBall]

you fashists delete my answer but read it again. Giannis is born in Greece and never been to Nigeria until last year. Second. There are hundrends of thousants of nigerians born in Europe not called Giannis. How many of them do you claim and what you did to make them return to africa?

[@Αχιλλέας-γ4υ]

@@dazyroze The word "nation" is the translation of the Greek word "έθνος"(ethnos). So ethnicity and nationality are exactly the same. Citizenship is something else. You are confusing them.

[@aegontargaryen61]

Imagine being born in a country that demolishes graves of soviet soldiers of WWII

[@athenstar10]

If Nigeria hadn't showed interest, Greece wouldn't even give them the citizenship.

[@pspirz]

Please change the title, it is completely wrong. Giannis was neither illegal nor an immigrant. Giannis was born in Greece and according to European Law, he should be a Greek citizen from day 1 of his life. Illegal were the Greek governments that refused to adopt and apply the law and kept refusing while pretending to be a legitimate European member and lying to E.U. Systemic political racism denied Giannis, his brothers and thousands of other kids their legal human rights.

[@stelioschatzigewriou6372]

the worst thing about the whole giannis story is that the politicians that were misspelling his surname deliberately now use his name to gain political growth and feel 'prowd for him ' . if i was him i am sure that i would never play again for greece national team .

[@tamrasg6960]

Do you think he understands this his Playing for his life

[@mpslegalcom7697]

This is interesting & you make a good point! I've read that "Greek government changed his change to Antetokounmpo". Actually they didn't change his name. As it was explained, the writer didn't know that the Greek alphabet has no "d" or "b" letters and uses "nt" for (d) and "mp" for (b) instead. Giannis had explained on a video that his last name was translated from "Adedokoonbo" and is pronounced "Adedo-koonbo". it's the bureaucracy everywhere that messes things up--not the politicians.

[@FearTheNorth]

We love Giannis, but only a Greek should carry the Greek flag. As simple as that. No hate.

[@doggerlander]

Greek is someone who loves greece Otherwise most greeks shouldnt carry a flag because theyre mostly turk and slav race

[@FearTheNorth]

@@doggerlander ...and then you woke up. Good morning.

[@doggerlander]

@@FearTheNorth greeks have no hellenic dna though, this is scientific fact you guys are just turks who really love greece

[@FearTheNorth]

@@doggerlander said a son of mutah 😂 my friend I have no time for such silly 😂

[@konstantinosstamatopoulos425]

Giannis is Greek, he was born and went to school in greece