BUT FIRST …THE UNPALATABLE STORY
Greek federation condemns slur on Nigerian-born Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo
Greece’s basketball federation has condemned remarks by the leader of an extreme right Greek political party who likened a recent NBA draft pick to a ‘’chimpanzee.’’
The federation on Thursday described the remarks aimed at Giannis Antetokounmpo as ‘’unacceptable and racist.’’
Antetokounmpo (derived from Adetokunbo) is an 18-year-old Greek shooting guard and the son of Nigerian immigrants.
He was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks and received this week in Athens by conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.
Leader of the far-right Golden Dawn party, Nikolaos Michaloliakos, likened the 6-foot-9 player to a ‘’chimpanzee’’ in a television interview on Tuesday.
THEN THE NEXT HAKEEM?…HE WAS NOT EVEN BORN IN NIGERIA!
Kevin O’Connor takes an in-depth look at 2013 NBA Draft prospect, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
2013 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has exceptional potential as playmaking small forward. – (Photo credit: http://www.basketnet.gr)
International prospects can sometimes be more appealing to fans of basketball due to the lack of knowledge and understanding about them. For that reason, Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most mysterious and intriguing prospects in the 2013 NBA Draft. Antetokounmpo is a young 18-year-old point forward that was born in Greece but is of Nigerian descent. With Giannis’ interesting background and his potential future in the NBA, his story is most certainly something for people to keep an eye on.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nicknamed “The Greek Freak,” there has been some confusion on the correct spelling and pronunciation of his name. The pronunciation Giannis’ last name is spelled as Antetokounmpo in Greek and on his passport. However, Adetokunbo is his Nigerian family name. For this scouting report, I will be referring to him as “Antetokounmpo.”
Offensive Overview
With point guard skills and small forward size, Giannis Antetokounmpo has the versatility to be a very effective point forward in the NBA. Giannis has huge potential as a playmaker in both transition and the half-court. Antetokounmpo’s advanced dribbling ability allowed him to get to the basket with ease in the Greek A2 league. He showcases a sleek euro-step, along with a nice crossover, and hop step. He dribbles and passes the ball well with both hands, giving him more freedom to make plays at the rim. Giannis Antetokounmpo shot 61.2 percent on two-point field goals last season, with the majority of his baskets coming in the lane. He only averaged 1.4 assists per game but he could have had more with a more prominent point guard role. From three-point range, Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to improve his consistency, but he shows good potential, shooting 31.3 percent from three last year.
Defensive Overview
Giannis Antetokounmpo has great upside on the defensive end due to his long arms, measuring in with a 7’3″ wingspan. Giannis can alter shots but also has the speed to stay in front of his man on the perimeter. Antetokounmpo struggles off-the-ball because he can sometimes lose his man or have a hard time fighting through screens. With more coaching and experience, Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely improve that aspect of his game due to his willingness to work hard.
LAGOSBOOKSCLUB.WORDPRESS.COM 