Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as “The Greek Freak”, is an admirable example of rising from a poor background. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Giannis and his family went through many hardships and faced deprivation.

From growing up undocumented and impoverished on the streets of Greece to the dizzying heights of the NBA racking up eye-watering stats, the Antetokounmpo story has become an inspirational tale in how to defy the odds.

Giannis, born in Athens, on Dec. 6, 1994, would make a similar choice when he officially made himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft. On July 30, 2013, he signed his rookie contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he’s played for throughout his entire professional career, leading the team to their first NBA championship since 1971 in 2021.

The Marvelous Journey goes beyond the power forward’s professional highlight reel, though, painting a picture of an athlete with unfathomable resilience, from rising above racism growing up as an African immigrant in Greece to bringing his family to America in 2014, and coping with the unexpected death of his father three years later in 2017.

Growing up without an identity and struggling daily just to survive is the origin story of basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

His parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, emigrated to Greece from Nigeria. Their status as immigrants made it difficult for them to find steady jobs, and without a steady job, they could not be named Greek citizens, binding them to a vicious circle.

Their situation ultimately led them into poverty. Procuring money and food for the family became their collective objective.

In an interview with ESPN, Giannis Antetokounmpo reflected on his early life, “I used to sell things since I can remember myself, since I was six or seven years old.

“I was always out of home trying as much as I could to help my mom and dad by selling watches, glasses, CDs, DVDs, and everything I could find. I was doing that until I turned 17 because I had to. I had no other choice. When I was selling all those things, I was the best seller.

“My secret was that I would never give up. I would continue asking people until I could get them to buy something. It also helped that I was young and sweet.”

Given Antetokounmpo lived in extreme poverty, he grew up thinking he had nothing to lose so he did everything he could to get money for his family.

He slept in the same bed as his brothers, Thanasis, Alex, and Kostas, as the family could not afford a bigger house with more rooms.

Through the years they lived there, there was always a fear that they would be kicked out of the house as they sometimes did not have enough money to pay the rent.

Unknown to most, Antetokounmpo wanted to be a football player like his dad.

So, when his coach Vasilis Xenakis tried to put him on the basketball team, Antetokounmpo had no interest in playing with them. He had no experience, and it wasn’t his dream sport. The same also happened with his siblings.

In order to entice him in, the Greek’s coach offered him with the possibility of money: “I told him that if he tried his luck with basketball, he could maybe make some money to buy food,” Xenakis said.

The coach also promised him that if basketball did not work, he would try to find a football team for young Giannis to join. Eventually the offered proved unnecessary; they both soon understood that Antetokounmpo could shine on the court.

When the Antetokounmpo brothers started playing basketball, there were matches that they could not play in together as they had to share the same pair of shoes.

When Giannis was checking out, he would give his shoes to his brother Thanasis to check in, and vice versa.

Giannis later shared to ESPN: “Those moments back then, they were beautiful, man. Going through the struggle and making it out of it and seeing your family doing good now it’s unbelievable. I remember those moments, and I’m happy I went through those times.

“We might not have had a lot of money, but at least we were happy. When we had problems, we would gather in the same room and have fun laughing, despite the difficulties we were going through. That for sure made us stronger.

Now Antetokounmpo is one of the greatest basketball players ever.

Drafted to the NBA in 2013, the man known as the ‘Greek Freak’ has gone on to become an NBA title-winning champion with the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) as well as accruing a list of accolades that include being a two-time league MVP and a finals MVP.

Given its origins the Antetokounmpo story is often cited as a source of inspiration.

Antetokounmpo’s family lived in difficult economic conditions and sometimes struggled to have enough food and shelter. However, Giannis did not give up and always aimed towards his goal. He sought to use basketball as a means to overcome difficulties and create a better life for himself and his family.

The success and rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo are a clear testament to patience, passion, and determination. He has proven that there are no limits to those who believe in themselves and are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams.