Greece Teammate Hails Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo As He Propels Greece Into EuroBasket 2025


EuroBasket 2025 has showcased plenty of talent, but Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has looked like the toughest player to stop. While he dominates NBA courts, many questioned whether his physical style would carry over to the FIBA game with its tighter rules and smaller floor.

Antetokounmpo has silenced those doubts once more, powering Greece into the quarterfinals with another huge outing. His national teammate Tyler Dorsey was asked what it’s like sharing the floor with the Bucks star on this stage, and he kept his answer short and direct.

Sep 26, 2022; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) poses for a photo during the Dallas Mavericks media day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 26, 2022; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) poses for a photo during the Dallas Mavericks media day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

“Dominant. I think he’s unstoppable in both, but obviously in the NBA, they can’t sit in the paint as much, so he gets a lot more transition points,” Dorsey said via an interview from BasketNews.

Greece carried their momentum from a 4-1 group stage record into the Round of 16, knocking off an Israel team led by Deni Avdija with an 84-79 win. Antetokounmpo dominated inside, pouring in 37 points on an efficient 18-of-23 shooting while adding 10 rebounds, an assist, and a block.

Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Greece national team

Jul 30, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Spain in a men's basketball group stage match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
Jul 30, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Spain in a men’s basketball group stage match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

“Obviously, another historic night for Giannis out there. They couldn’t stop him tonight, and we kept feeding him. He did what he did tonight. He’s one of the best in the world. We’re glad to have him, glad to get the win, and get some rest to get ready for Lithuania,” Tyler Dorsey continued.

Greece entered the tournament as a quiet contender, but with heavyweights like Serbia, France, and Spain already eliminated, the path has opened for a potential title run. Their quarterfinal matchup with Lithuania will be tough, yet they head into it as the favorites.

Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs onto the court before the game against Germany during a menís basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs onto the court before the game against Germany during a men’s basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even without key pieces like Nick Calathes and Georgios Papagiannis, Greece has assembled a strong roster around Antetokounmpo. Alongside Dorsey, a former NBA guard and elite EuroLeague shooter, the team features experienced names such as Kostas Sloukas, Kostas Papanikolaou, and Konstantinos Mitoglou, plus Giannis’ brothers Kostas and Thanasis.

Under the leadership of former star turned head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, Greece fields a well-rounded lineup, yet Antetokounmpo remains the centerpiece. Their lone setback came against Bosnia and Herzegovina in his absence, a result that highlights his importance. To this point, he has produced 30.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest in the tournament.



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