Amazon Prime Video will soon release a documentary about Milwaukee Bucks talisman, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Titled, Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, this project will shed light on the NBA power forward’s humble beginnings to his impressive rise to stardom.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born and raised in Athens to Nigerian parents. In the year 2013, he officially made himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft. Interestingly, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him and he signed his first rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee-based team on July 30, 2013. He has represented the Bucks for more than a decade and in 2021, he led them to their first NBA championship since 1971.
According to an Amazon Studio press release, the synopsis of the upcoming documentary reads, “Giannis: The Marvelous Journey is an intimate portrait of a global superstar and one of the NBA’s most dominating performers. A two-time league MVP who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021. But his path began a world away from the spotlight, on the streets of Athens. Where he was raised on the margins of society, alongside three brothers, by parents who’d immigrated from Nigeria in search of a better life. As the documentary recounts, one day in an internet café, young Giannis was captivated by images of NBA stars, and soon after picked up a basketball.”
It further reads, “From there unfolded an epic journey. At turns inspiring, heartbreaking, and triumphant, ultimately landing him in his adopted home of Milwaukee. Where he emerged as “The Greek Freak,”. A superstar who transcends conventional limits, transforming the game with his athleticism and versatility. All the while striving to use the memory of the loss he endured along the way to spearhead an impact far beyond the court.
Which team did Giannis Antetokounmpo play for previously?
Giannis Antetokounmpo previously played for the Greek basketball team, Filathlitikos. However, due to his towering height, immense strength, and brilliant performances, NBA scouts soon began taking notice of him. Giannis represented Filathlitikos from 2011 to 2013.
According to an Amazon Studio press release, the upcoming project will feature interviews with Giannis and his entire family. Below are some of the individuals who will appear on, Giannis: The Marvelous Journey.
- Veronica Antetokounmpo (mother)
- Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex Antetokounmpo (brothers)
- Mariah Riddlesprigger (fiance)
- Jason Kidd
- Khris Middleton
- Jrue Holiday
- Kenny Smith
- Vin Baker
- Ernie Johnson
In one of Giannis’ earliest interviews, he stated that initially, he was interested in soccer, because his father was a soccer player. He said, “I started to play soccer because my father was a soccer player. Also my big brother, and I liked it too. But some years that I played soccer, and I was approved by a coach in my neighborhood in an open court. His name was Spiros Vielliniatis. Vielliniatis helped me a lot all these years, and I owe him a lot, half of my success. He approached us and told me and my oldest brother Thanasis to come play basketball at Philathlitikos.”
Giannis further stated that he fell in love with basketball just after his first practice with his brother, Thanasis. He said, “Seeing the height, my potential, body structure. And I gave a negative answer and my brother’s was a positive one. Thanasis started playing for Philathlitikos. He went there for three months, and I wouldn’t go. But one day, I decided to follow him, I made my first practice, and then and there I was hooked.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994, and is currently 29 years old.
