In an all-time first for Greek basketball, Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been selected for the NBA All-Star game in New Orleans on February 19.
This honor constitutes a great tourism promotion opportunity for Greece in the US since the All Star Game occurs during the “high” season of American bookings for European vacations and the presence of the «Greek Freak» in the NBA highlight event, provides the destination wirh a significant advantage.
The 22-year-old received more than 1.6 million votes and came third in the Eastern Conference’s five-man squad, behind Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James with 1.9 million votes and Kyrie Irving, a three-time all-star, with 1.7 million votes. No other Eastern players got passed the 1-million mark.
Thus, Giannis has the best ambassador of Greece in the American tourist market as he gets photographed at every opportunity with the Greek flag and speaks very highly of the country.
According to a travel agent with great experience in the American market, “along with breaking many other records, Giannis is sure to raise the bar and expectations on US arrivals, since millions of fans will have the opportunity to get to know and admire the”Greek Freak” at the NBA ALL STAR 2017″.
Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian parents, made a series of tweets in Greek and English celebrating his win and thanking his fans and his brother and campaign manager, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, also a basketball player.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your support throughout these days,” Antetokounmpo wrote on his Twitter account in Greek. “You all took an active part in making my dream come true… I really appreciate it! You can be certain that I will be playing for you too at the All-Star Game. Thanks Greece!”
At the age of 22 and 74 days, Antetokounmpo is the youngest non-American All-Star Game starter, after China’s Yoa Ming, who played in 2003 at the age of 22 years and four months. He is also the first Milwaukee Buck to play at the event since 2004.
The Milwaukee Bucks posted a video on the club’s twitter feed honouring the “Greek-Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo for his selection in the NBA All-Star game in the front court. The tribute video places Giannis, who is the first Greek in the history to start in an NBA All Star, among some of mythical names of the sport like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Ray Allen and other greats of the past that wore the jersey of the franchise.
Watch the video here.
Read more here.
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