The Greek national basketball team has long been a source of pride for the nation, with a rich history of competitive spirit and memorable performances on the international stage. However, in recent years, the team has evolved into something deeply personal for one family—the Antetokounmpos. With Giannis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex Antetokounmpo all tied to the sport at professional levels, their involvement has turned the Greek national team into a family affair, blending their Nigerian-Greek heritage with a shared passion for basketball. This article explores how the Antetokounmpo brothers have reshaped Greek basketball, both on and off the court, and the profound impact of their journey from the streets of Athens to global stardom.
A Humble Beginning in Sepolia
The Antetokounmpo family’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unity. Born to Nigerian immigrants Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, who moved to Greece in 1991 seeking a better life, the brothers—Francis, Thanasis, Giannis, Kostas, and Alex—grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Sepolia in Athens. Facing financial hardship and the constant threat of deportation due to their parents’ undocumented status, the family struggled to make ends meet. The brothers often sold sunglasses, watches, and CDs on the streets to support their household, a reality that shaped their relentless work ethic and close-knit bond.
Basketball was not initially part of their story. Charles, a former soccer player, and Veronica, a high jumper, hoped their sons might follow in their athletic footsteps. However, in 2007, a local coach, Spiros Velliniatis, spotted the raw potential in the Antetokounmpo brothers, particularly Giannis and Thanasis, and introduced them to the sport. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey, not just for the family but for Greek basketball as a whole.
The Rise of the Antetokounmpo Brothers
The Antetokounmpo brothers’ ascent in basketball was nothing short of remarkable. Giannis, the most prominent of the siblings, began playing for Filathlitikos, a Greek second-division team, at age 13. His unique combination of size, speed, and skill earned him the nickname “Greek Freak” and caught the attention of NBA scouts. In 2013, at just 18 years old, Giannis was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Draft, a pivotal moment that required him to secure Greek citizenship to travel to the United States.
Thanasis, the second eldest, followed a similar path, starting with Filathlitikos before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2014 (51st overall). He later joined Giannis with the Milwaukee Bucks, where they won an NBA championship together in 2021. Kostas, the second youngest, played college basketball at Dayton before being selected 60th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, later winning an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Alex, the youngest, has carved his own path in Europe, playing for teams like UCAM Murcia and, as of March 2025, PAOK Thessaloniki in the Greek Basketball League.
Francis, the eldest, pursued soccer like his father and later transitioned to music, releasing his first single, “Shekosi,” in 2020. While not involved in basketball, his journey reflects the family’s diverse talents and shared drive to succeed.
A Family Affair on the Greek National Team
The Antetokounmpo brothers’ connection to the Greek national basketball team has brought a unique dynamic, turning international competitions into a family endeavor. Giannis first represented Greece in 2013 with the Under-20 team and made his senior team debut in 2014 at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. His performances, including a career-high 41 points in a EuroBasket 2022 game against Ukraine, have solidified his role as the team’s cornerstone.
Thanasis joined the senior national team in 2016, contributing to events like the 2017 EuroBasket and the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Kostas has also represented Greece, playing in the 2020 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament and EuroBasket 2022. The brothers’ shared dream of competing together for Greece came to fruition in 2022, when Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas suited up for EuroBasket, a moment Giannis described as a lifelong goal that made their late father, Charles, “extremely proud.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics further highlighted the family’s influence, with Giannis serving as Greece’s flag bearer, a role he accepted with humility, suggesting teammate Kostas Papanikolaou was more deserving. Despite injuries preventing Thanasis and Kostas from joining the Olympic roster, Giannis led Greece to their first Olympic appearance since 2008, securing a win against Australia in the group stage. His emotional reflection on the experience—carrying the flag, competing in the Athlete Village, and representing 13 million Greeks—underscored the personal significance of the moment.
Challenges and Resilience
The Antetokounmpo brothers’ journey to representing Greece was not without obstacles. Growing up stateless, they faced xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment in Greece, with the far-right Golden Dawn party targeting immigrant communities. Giannis has spoken candidly about the racism they endured, yet he also credits the kindness of neighbors, priests, and friends who supported the family. Their eventual acquisition of Greek citizenship—Giannis and Thanasis in 2013, Kostas in 2016, and their mother, Veronica, and brother Alex in 2021—marked a turning point, allowing them to fully embrace their Greek identity while honoring their Nigerian roots.
Giannis has emphasized his dual heritage, stating, “I’m both [Greek and Nigerian]. The same way a lot of people are both, I’m both.” This cultural mélange has resonated with fans and inspired a new generation of Greek athletes, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. The brothers’ success has also challenged stereotypes, showcasing the contributions of immigrant families to Greek society and sport.
Impact Beyond the Court
The Antetokounmpo brothers’ influence extends far beyond their on-court performances. Their story of overcoming poverty and discrimination has made them role models for resilience and perseverance. In 2020, Giannis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex became part-owners of Nashville SC in Major League Soccer, demonstrating their commitment to investing in communities. The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, established in 2020, supports refugees, immigrants, youth, and athletes through partnerships with organizations like the Milwaukee Diaper Mission and the International Rescue Committee.
Giannis’s involvement in projects like the National Geographic documentary The Flagmakers (2022) and the Disney+ film Rise (2022), which chronicles the family’s journey, highlights their dedication to storytelling and social impact. Thanasis’s podcast, Thanalysis, further amplifies the family’s values of resilience and community. These efforts have elevated the Antetokounmpo name as a symbol of hope and unity, both in Greece and globally.
A Legacy for Greek Basketball
The Antetokounmpo brothers have redefined Greek basketball, bringing international attention to a program that had not qualified for the Olympics since 2008. Giannis’s leadership, combined with the contributions of Thanasis and Kostas, has revitalized the national team, making it a competitive force in events like EuroBasket and the FIBA World Cup. Their presence has also inspired younger players, including Alex, who continues to develop his career in Europe, potentially setting the stage for future family contributions to the national team.
The brothers’ story is a testament to the power of family, hard work, and cultural pride. As Giannis reflected after the 2024 Olympics, “I know my father is watching from heaven and he’s dancing about this.” Their journey from the streets of Sepolia to the global stage has not only transformed their lives but has also made the Greek national basketball team a true family affair, one that carries the hopes of a nation and the legacy of the Antetokounmpos.