Home » Sports News » Throwback to when Giannis Antetokounmpo explained why he isn’t just the Greek Freak

Giannis Antetokounmpo is commonly known as the Greek Freak, however, it turns out that he is not a huge fan of the nickname.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is in his own right, one of the best players in the world right now. The Greek-Nigerian NBA superstar is a franchise player for the Milwaukee Bucks, and is the key man for the Greek national team as well–the 28-year-old’s talent and physical ability where he combines size, speed and agility make him an incredibly scary opponent to go up against.

Giannis Zoom Freaks
Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for the Milwaukee Bucks this season

Giannis combines his size, strength and speed in an incredible package that makes him one of the hardest players to go up against on a basketball court – resulting in his “Greek Freak” moniker that has accompanied him winning the NBA Championship in 2021 and two MVP awards. However, it turns out that the man himself does not really find his moniker fitting enough.

Antetokounmpo spoke about his alias earlier this year, and it turns out that he does not really like his nickname.

What did Giannis Antetokounmpo have to say about his nickname?

The Bucks superstar went on air earlier this year as he was asked about his thoughts on his nickname.

Giannis with the NBA Championship in 2021

I’ve heard it so many times,” Giannis said. “It doesn’t bother me, but people don’t call me the Nigerian Freak. They all call me the Greek Freak. This is a time for you to understand that I’m both. I’m not just Greek, I’m Nigerian.” Giannis was born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian immigrants, and has often revealed that he is very proud of his deep Nigerian connections.

You cannot choose the nickname that people give to you,” the 2020 and 2021 MVP added. “But what I can tell the people is that I was born and raised in Greece. I understand the Greek culture, I speak the language, I know the history. But at the end of the day, I know exactly the same things of the Nigerian culture. I’m not just one thing. You cannot tell me what I am.”

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