Thanasis Antetokounmpo could become the second Greek-Nigerian to join the NBA if he succeeds in the 2014 Draft on Thursday.
The 21-year-old, born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents is the older brother of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as the Greek-Freak.
With just a few days away from the draft, which will be held in Brooklyn, New York, Thanasis is expecting to maintain his family’s basketball tradition and follow in the footsteps of his younger brother, who was selected 15th overall by the Bucks last year.
Thanasis was declared available for the 2013 draft, but withdrew his name and spent this past season playing for the NBA D-League Delaware 87ers, averaging 12 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Comparatively, Thanasis is shorter and stronger than young Giannis, though he is not as skilled as his younger brother, according to reports.
Thanasis has worked out with a number of NBA teams, including the Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets.
When asked about the prospect of playing along with Giannis, Thanasis revealed a childhood goal.
“That is a dream. We always talk — we talk to each other a lot. If we played together, it would be a team of passion and energy, but we’ll see,” he said.
Nevertheless, the 6’6” forward knows what it takes to match his brother’s popularity.
“He got people to come and see him because he’s 6’10” with long arms, but for me, I got to go show people what I can do,” Athanasios explained.
Scouts reports project Athanasios with as a potential 30th to 40th pick, with chances of fitting teams like the Brooklyn Nets.
However, what younger brother Giannis really dreams of is a reunion.
“I’m not going to lie. I want my brother on the team,” the 19-year-old said.
“But bringing my brother here, people are going to start talking, ‘He’s only there because of Giannis. I don’t want to hear that. I know he’s capable to play in this league.”
Rookie Giannis made the headlines this past season for his athleticism and undeniable improvement, and was eventually named to the NBA’s All-Rookie second team of the 2013-14 campaign.
