Giannis Antetokounmpo. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks star pulls off epic assist for Nigeria

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/9/24

Giannis Antetokounmpo came from an even more humble experience than most guys in the NBA after his family migrated to Greece from Nigeria. But even though he has come a long way from those early struggles in his life, the Milwaukee Bucks star has never forgotten to give back in any way he can.

Antetokounmpo first entered the league as the Bucks’ 15th overall pick in the 2013 Draft. Unlike most players in his class, the two-time MVP spent most of his amateur career playing in Greece and building his name away from the United States. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t light the NBA on fire as he only averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists as a rookie.

Over the years, Antetokounmpo went from a very raw prospect to a dominant force to be reckoned with. He would go on to win the league’s Most Improved Player award in 2017 after averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 80 games that year.

Two seasons later, the Bucks’ All-Star forward won a pair of consecutive MVP awards with averages of 28.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest. Antetokounmpo ultimately won the big one in 2021 when Milwaukee defeated Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns to become champions in 2021.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Foundation Opens Community Center in Nigeria

Antetokounmpo isn’t just dominating on the court during the past few years. He’s also changing lives away from it, as evidenced by the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF)’s recent partnership with the GEANCO Foundation to build an education and sports-centric facility in Nigeria.

“My family’s roots run deep in Nigeria. It’s a place that holds a very special place in my heart,” Antetokounmpo said in a statement.

CAFF was named after Antetokounmpo’s father and is aimed to help refugees, widows, and young children in three specific areas: Milwaukee, Greece, and Nigeria. The said facility will also offer opportunities for Nigerians living in the country’s poor areas to enrich themselves.

Without a doubt, the Bucks forward is getting work done on and off the field. Even with an injury sidelining him from the playoffs, Antetokounmpo is making sure his time and influence can be used to their fullest.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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