As the NBA Playoffs loom, Giannis takes time off to play basketball with young kids

Giannis knows the positive impact he can have on the young men of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo may be gearing up for another title run in the NBA Playoffs, but he’s never too busy for the kids. The Greek Freak recently had 20 kids come over to his house and shoot hoops with him as part of an outreach program hatched by the team’s pastor, Kenneth Lock.

Lighthearted moments

As serious as Giannis is about dominating and winning on the floor, he also knows how to have a good time. The Greek Freak not only spoke with the kids but also picked up a basketball and played with them.

Everyone present that day could feel the special energy Giannis brought to the court. The kids felt special, and Giannis seemed right at home as a mentor and leader. Lock, who’s also a pastor at Evolve Church, said it was a meaningful moment for those kids.

"Just to show these young kids two Black men who, you know, come from similar backgrounds and sometimes even worse, and that we’ve both been able to use our stories to build something positive and to give back to others," Lock said.

“One of the things that Giannis talked to them about: Don’t just focus on being an athlete, there’s so many things that you can be," said Lock. "It’s amazing to hear an athlete tell them this isn’t the end. You can be a doctor, you can be the president, you can be an attorney,” Lock added.

“My Brother @giannis_an34 thank you for your heart and time that you poured into our kids. You changed their life forever!” posted Lock on his Instagram.

Surprised kids

One of the kids in attendance, DeVon Jackson, who hails from Germantown, said he relished the chance to play one-on-one against Giannis. He also came away with some memorabilia—a signed shirt and Giannis’ size 17 Kobe 4s.

"When I got to play one-on-one against him," Jackson answered when asked which moment meant the most to him. "I missed the shot, you know. My only chance."