Giannis Antetokounmpo, picked by NBA team Milwaukee Bucks, received by PM Samaras

“Axion Esti” icon
“Axion Esti” icon
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras received international basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family at Maximos Mansion, government headquarters, on Tuesday in the presence of Culture Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos and Minister of Sports Yiannis Andrianos.

Addressing the young basketball player, selected a few days ago by the Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 15 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the prime minister thanked him for honoring Greece and underlined that he has become a role model for many, noting that all Greeks have witnessed how much he struggled since he was a child to help his siblings.

The prime minister wished him success saying characteristically, “I wish you to make America go crazy over your slam dunks”.

He thanked him for a cap the young basketball player gave him as a present and told him that the Greek people will be watching his career abroad. He thanked him for holding the Greek flag with his brother when the draft results were announced and presented him with the “Axion Esti” icon.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Antetokounmpo said that the prime minister was “friendly” and a “basketball fan”.

“He knew about basketball. He is a very cool guy,” he said, adding that after the prime minister thanked him in a very emotional moment, he wanted to know about the school he attended and where he grew up before wishing him health and a bright future.

“He will come to America to watch me play,” Antetokounmpo said, and referring to his future in basketball he said that he has set many goals.

He displayed the icon the prime minister had given him as a gift and said that his present to him was a cap with his signature. He also said that he had spoken with the prime minister's son, who is “also a basketball fan”.

amna.gr

7/5/2013

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