Like most Pinoys, Bucks' Antetokounmpo credits family for success

MANILA, Philippines — It has been four years since Giannis Antetokounmpo was drafted, but he could still perfectly remember how it changed his life.

Drafted 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, the “Greek Freak” is a prospect from that rookie bunch who has made significant strides. And we need not look far for proof, as he was recently named the Most Improved Player of 2016-17 season.

Asked about who he credits the most for the early feats in his young career, the 6-foot-11 cager cited only one: Family.

“Growing up, it was tough—it was difficult,” he shared during a chat in a hotel in Makati. “Thank God I have my parents. They worked hard everyday to provide for me and my brothers.”

“I’m just thankful ‘cause I wouldn’t be who I am without them,” he added. 

The 22-year-old Milwaukee star went on to recall the good silly, yet equally good times with his brothers. 

“It’s tough to wake [them up],” he shared with a smile. “We used to go to one school … We used to go to practice and then rest. And then play again.”

“[Draft Day] was unbelievable. It was my second trip outside Greece. I’ve never been in New York  before that. I was with Thanasis … It was new for us. I wished my family was there,” he said.

Born to immigrant parents from Nigeria, Antetokounmpo had to earn his Greek citizenship—a wait that spanned for 18 long years. But all that has become a distant memory, as the forward acknowledged how much his life has changed.

“I was nervous for like two three hours before my name is called. I was really happy. But when my name was called, I was happy—i was even more happy when my brother Thanasis was going crazy in the stands,” he recalled. “At that moment, I just realized that my whole life has changed.”

“Now, the whole country’s behind me—Greece. I’m moved,” he closed.

The Buck is currently in town for a charity work. His teammate Matthew Dellavedova, on the other hand, is in a separate tour for a shoe company.