Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out of Fiba World Cup in Manila
Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during the Basketball World Cup Group K second round game between US and Greece in Shenzhen on September 7, 2019. (Photo by Nicolas ASFOURI / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines —Greece star Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially out of the Fiba World Cup in Manila as he has yet to fully recover from his left knee injury.
The two-time NBA MVP from the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday announced that he is not yet ready to compete in the Fiba World Cup set from August 25 to September 10.
Article continues after this advertisementMall of Asia is the host of Greece’s group-stage games.
“Everyone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change. Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set,” wrote the forward dubbed the Greek Freak on his social media accounts.
“But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that I am not ready to compete [at] the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementEveryone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change. Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set.
But after months of work and multiple… pic.twitter.com/1uhTlfNZVE— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 11, 2023
Antetokounmpo had surgery on his left knee to “clean up loose cartilage” last July. He tried his best to get back into his top shape but he failed to get a clearance to see action in the world basketball stage.
“This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff,” he said.
The 2021 NBA Champion and Finals MVP, who played for Greece in the World Cup four years ago but failed to get out of the group stage, vows to come back stronger and help his country qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m going to continue to push myself to be ready for the next time my name is called. My personal, and our ultimate team goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics games and it will be an honor to represent my National Team next year,” he said.
Greece is slated in Group C with the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Missing Antetokounmpo, who was Greece’s top scorer in the EuroBasket with 29.3 points per game, will be a big blow for his squad, also led by his brothers Thanasis and Kostas.
The Bucks forward suffered a back injury during game one of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat and did not return until game four. The Bucks, the number one seed in the East, were upset in five by Miami in the best-of-seven series.
