In 2012, 2016 and 2020, the Greece was not present at the Olympic Games, blocked each time during the TQO.
This year again, the Greek selection will have to go through the Olympic Qualification Tournament, which it will at least have the advantage of organizing, in Athens, if it wants to join Paris straight away…
“I would love to play in the Olympics” explains Giannis Antetokounmpo. “It’s so far away, four or five months. I'm not going to lie to you, right now I'm not really thinking about the Olympics. »
Nevertheless, the “Greek Freak” follows his selection, taken over by the legend Vassilis Spanoulis, who began his qualifying campaign for EuroBasket 2025 with two victories, against the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
Slovenia, Croatia and the Dominican Republic on the way
“I would like to be part of this team that has energy, that plays with confidence, but that definitely comes from the coach, Vassilis Spanoulis. He played basketball for 18 or 20 years. He knows basketball and allows you to express your talent. He also lets you play freely, and I think as long as you play to win and as long as you play to help the team, he lets you do what you need to do to show your talent on the field. »
Ideally, Giannis Antetokounmpo therefore seems ready to compete in the TQO, from July 2 to 7 in Athens, in order to head to Paris (or rather Lille for the first round) immediately, from July 26 to August 11.
“When that moment arrives, I would like us to shine at the TQO and qualify for the Olympic Games. I think in 2016, eight years ago, we had a chance against Croatia and we lost, but that was the closest I got to the Olympics. It's every athlete's dream to be in the Olympic Village, to be able to wear the Greek flag on your chest, to be on the field with your teammates and to try to do your best for your team. I hope God blesses me and I can do it”concludes the Bucks superstar.
Note that Greece finds itself with the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Slovenia, Croatia and New Zealand during its TQO. And there's only one ticket to the Olympics!
