Giannis leads Greece and will play at his 1st Olympics

Giannis Antetokounmpo will play for his country in Paris.

Antetokounmpo is heading to the Olympics for 1^st time after netting 23 points and Greece defeated Croatia 80-69 in 1 of the 4 men’s basketball qualifying tournament finals being held to determine the final spots for the Olympics as 12 countries will compete for the medals in Paris.

Giannis Antetokounmpo named @TISSOT MVP at FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 Greece.#FIBAOQT x @HellenicBF 🇬🇷 https://t.co/LpohTLBm46

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 7, 2024

Georgios Papagiannis had 19 points for Greece, as Nick Calathes added 14 and the country advance to the Olympics for the 1^st time since 2008.

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“It is a phenomenal feeling to be at the Olympics because that’s the 1^st step,” Papagiannis shared. “In Paris, we are motivated to accomplish big things with that group of players.”

Ivica Zubac scored 19 points and grabbed 13 boards for Croatia but his efforts felt short.

Greece is in Group A at the Olympics with Australia, Canada and Spain as that seemed like the most competitive group at the tournament.

What it means for Giannis 🥹#FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/rpacKTH6PA

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 7, 2024