Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA journey led him to ‘see world a lot differently’

MANILA, Philippines – From peddling watches and all sorts of goods in the streets of Athens, Greece, to throwing down slam dunks on an NBA basketball court under the brightest lights, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring.

He’s always said the biggest challenge for him moving from Greece to the US and joining the NBA has been getting used to the new culture. But the biggest change in him was perspective.

“I think I just got older, I got more mature,” Antetokounmpo told Rappler during his “Greek Freak Invades Manila” event over the weekend. (WATCH: Giannis Antetokounmpo on his NBA journey, advice to Filipino ballers)

“Culture-wise, I see the world differently because with the NBA, I had the chance to travel and also with the national team, I had the chance to travel to many places like the Philippines, Taiwan, China, a lot of places in Europe, and the US. I just see the world a lot differently,” he said.

Antetokounmpo is just 22 years old but the Milwaukee Bucks star swingman has already come a long way from having no documents whatsoever in Greece to being an All-Star and the Most Improved Player of the 2016-17 NBA season.

Antetokounmpo, whose family migrated to Greece from Nigeria before he was born, is now being recognized by many NBA fans, especially in the Philippines, and he has dealt with the fanfare well.

“The attention doesn’t really bother me. I’m a low-profile guy, I spend a lot of time with my family,” he said. “I don’t do much, I work hard every day. I just work hard and try to get ready for the next season.”

Long and athletic, he is poised for another great year next season, where he will look to lead the Bucks deeper into the playoffs. – Rappler.com