Giannis Antetokounmpo's summer world tour landed him in Nigeria

Giannis' recent trip brought him to his mother’s home country.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has had quite the offseason. Not long after undergoing a knee procedure to clean up his knee, he went to China with his brothers for a marketing tour. During his time there, he enthusiastically participated in basketball camps and indulged in the unique delicacy of chicken feet.

His most recent journey, however, took him to the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. What added an extra layer of significance to this trip was the presence of his mother, whose ancestry can be traced back to this West African nation.

Played with the kids

While in Lagos, Giannis did not miss a beat as he went to Rowe Park Sports Centre and spent time with young hoopers during the final of the Youth Alive Basketball Championship camp. Seeing, being with, and hearing the encouraging words of the two-time NBA MVP spurred the kids’ spirits and inspired them to pursue their hoop dreams, much like Giannis did growing up in Greece.

Giannis’ brother, Thanasis, also came for a trip to Nigeria. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Thanasis also provided words of wisdom to players at a basketball camp in Lekki, Lagos.

Place of special meaning

Nigeria is special to the Antetokounmpo family since Giannis’ parents actually hail from the country before they immigrated to Greece. From there the family struggled to make ends meet before Giannis pursued his NBA dream and made his way to Milwaukee where he has since become the cornerstone of the Bucks franchise.