GIANNIS SINA UGO ANTETOKOUNMPO

Dubbed 'The Greek Freak,'  Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, Greece. The son of Nigerian immigrants, Giannis' family struggled in Athens. He hawked wares such as watches and bags to help out. At the age of 13 he found basketball. Four years later was a semi-pro. After a strong showing in the European leagues, Giannis declared for the 2013 NBA Draft. Experts predicted he would go in somewhere near the end of the first round.

The Milwaukee Bucks took the gamble of Giannis, taking him with the 15th pick. He shocked the league his rookie year. He led his class in blocks recording two double-doubles. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In his second season he took the Bucks to the playoffs. The Bucks made noise again in the 2015-16 season when they were the first to beat the undefeated Golden State Warriors. The following year, Giannis was named an NBA All-Star starter. He also took home the NBA Most Improved Player Award for 2017, leading the Bucks to his second playoff series. He was again a starter for the 2018 NBA All-Star Eastern team. Giannis is the first back-to-back starter for the Bucks since 1980.

Giannis spends more time in the ESPN Top 10 than he does the mall. More often than not, the Greek Freak sports something casual and easy - sweatsuits, track pants, and such. An avid competitor, Giannis prefers to let his game make his statements. And boy oh boy does the man's highlight reel speak. It screams, "watch out for the Greek Freak."

FUN FACTS

• The son of immigrants, Giannis officially gained Greek citizenship on May 9, 2013.
• In 2016, Giannis and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory military service in Greece.
• Giannis is the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.