The Antetokounmpo narrative has inspired others to overcome adversity, from growing up undocumented and poor in Greece to climbing the NBA ladder with eye-watering figures.

Basketball phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up without an identity and struggled everyday to live.

Nigerian parents Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo moved to Greece. They were trapped in a cycle since they couldn’t become Greek citizens without solid work as immigrants.

Their position brought destitution. They wаnted money and food for the family.

Giannis Antetokounmpo told ESPN about his childhood, “I’ve sold stuff since I was six or seven.

“I sold watches, glasses, CDs, DVDs, and everything I could find to help my parents. I did it till 17 because I had to. I had no option. I was the top seller of all those goods.

“I never gave up was my sеcrеt. I kept asking until they bought something. I was young and lovely, which helped.”

Antetokounmpo grew up in great poverty and thought he had nothing to lose, so he worked hard to support his family.

Since the family could not afford a larger home with more rooms, he shared a bed with his brothers Thanasis, Alex, and Kostas.

Over the years, they worried about being evicted since they occasionally couldn’t pay the rent.

Choosing between football and basketball

Unknown to most, Antetokounmpo aspired to play football like his dad.

When his coach Vasilis Xenakis attempted to get him on the basketball team, Antetokounmpo declined. No experience, and not his dream sport. Similar things occurred to his siblings.

Greek coach Xenakis offered him money to join: “I told him that if he tried his luck with basketball, he could maybe make some money to buy food.”

The coach also promised to locate a football squad for young Giannis if basketball failed. They immediately saw Antetokounmpo could shine on the floor, so the offer was superfluous.

In their early basketball careers, the Antetokounmpo brothers had to share sneakers and could not play together.

When checking out, Giannis gave his brother Thanasis his shoes to check in, and vice versa.

Giannis told ESPN: “Those moments back then, they were beautiful, man. Getting through the bаttle and seeing your family succeeding is incredible. I recall those days and am glad I went through them.

Although we were poor, we were joyful. Despite our challenges, we would laugh in the same room. That strengthened us.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: An inspiration to the next generation

Antetokounmpo is become a basketball legend.

The ‘Greek Freak’ was drafted to the NBA in 2013 and has won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) and become a two-time league MVP and finals MVP.

He may also play for Greece in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifying matches and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Due of its beginnings, the Antetokounmpo narrative inspires.

Everyone admiring the basketball player can see that despite the harshest difficulties, dreams can come true if you don’t give up.

In honor of his history, Giannis and his brothers founded the AntetokounBros Academy last year to benefit communities like his.

The foundation, which focuses on Greece and Africa, gives youngsters the possibilities the brothers lost.