By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino die-hard Giannis Antetokounmpo fans might not be crossing out one of their wishes in their respective bucket lists to see their idol play in the Philippines for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Initially listed as a part of the Greece men’s national basketball team for the World Cup, Antetokounmpo is now doubtful to travel to the PHL after an injury report came up last July 5, 2023.
According to veteran sports insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, Antetokounmpo will undergo a minor procedure on his knee which he injured during the NBA Playoffs.
Charania confirmed that the “cleaning procedure” might sideline Greece’s superstar for several weeks until the World Cup set to kick off from August 25-September 10 here in the PHL.
Several years ago, Antetokounmpo made it known that he vows to bring a FIBA championship title to Greece after several heartbreaks in the past five years.
Stronger and more versatile on the offensive end, the Milwaukee Bucks franchise player showed his dominant form during the European Qualifiers when he scored 40 points against Serbia.
Serbia had no answers to Antetokounmpo’s all-around game who also tallied eight rebounds and five assists.
Without Antetokounmpo, Greece is expected to struggle in Group C of the tournament as they were slotted against Jordan, New Zealand, and USA.
Despite forming a new roster for the World Cup, team USA is undoubtedly still one of the most talented teams in the competition.
Led by Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Brandon Ingram, expect this young team USA to fight and keep up with the international style of play.
