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Giannis Antetokounmpo eyes Olympic participation, but focus remains on Bucks’ ongoing season
Giannis Antetokounmpo stands determined in his desire to represent his national colors and power his Greek national basketball squad to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
But for now, his focus remains intact to finish the 2023-24 season on a high note with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I would love to play in the Olympics,” he said. “It’s far away, four or five months from now. I’m not gonna lie to you. In my mind right now… I’m not thinking about the Olympics.”
Giannis and Greeks’ 2024 Olympic dream will start in Pre-OQT
As he wasn't able to play for Greece in last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila, Giannis's intent to play for his nation is truly off the charts. However, upon Greece's failure to seal a top finish at the said tournament, their hopes for an Olympic bid now lie on their forthcoming campaign at the 2024 Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held from July 2-7.
Alongside 23 other countries, Greece will fight for four outright spots remaining in Olympic basketball. They are slotted in Group B of the tournament and will play Egypt and the Dominican Republic.
Giannis and the Greeks must come out strong, not only in the group phase. Should they finish at the top-two spot, they'll qualify in the Final Round, in which they'll face the two best nations from Group A in a knockout format. The last team standing will claim the ticket to Paris.
Hoping for the best
Throughout his international career, Antetokounmpo hasn't appeared in the Olympics yet. For that, he has his fingers crossed that he will be able to qualify and grace the hardwood of the biggest sporting event in the world this year.
“When that moment comes, I’d like us to do well at the Pre-Olympic and hopefully get a qualification for the Olympics. I think in 2016, eight years ago, we had a chance to go against Croatia, and we lost, but that was the closest I’ve ever been to the Olympics. It’s an athlete’s dream to be at Olympic Village, to be able to wear the Greek flag on their chest, to be out there with his teammates, and trying to do the best for his team. Hopefully, God will bless me, and I can do it,” Giannis added.
