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Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP
Discover the story of one of the most transcendent players in NBA history–from his early life living in poverty in Greece to his inspiring rise to super-stardom in America.
As the face of the NBA's new world order, Giannis Antetokounmpo has overcome unfathomable obstacles to become a symbol of hope for people all over the world, the personification of the American Dream. But his backstory remains largely untold, and Fader unearths new information about the childhood that shaped "The Greek Freak"—from sleeping side by side with his brothers to selling trinkets on the side of the street with his family to the racism he experienced in Greece. Antetokounmpo grew up in an era when Golden Dawn, Greek's far-right, anti-immigrant party, patrolled his neighborhood, and his status as an illegal immigrant largely prevented him from playing for Greek's top clubs, making his rise to the NBA all the more improbable. Fader tells a deeply-human story of how an unknown, skinny, Black-Greek teen, who played in the country's lowest pro division and was seen as a draft gamble, transformed his body and his game into MVP material.
Antetokounmpo's story has been framed as a feel-good narrative in which the globe has embraced him, watching him grow up and lead the underdog Bucks to the best record in the NBA in 2020. Giannis reveals a more nuanced story: how hesitant Antetokounmpo was, and still is, to spend money; how lonely and isolated he felt, adjusting to America and the NBA early in his career; the way he changed after his father recently died of a heart attack; the complexity of grappling with his Black and Greek identities; how private he is, so hard on himself and his shortcomings, a drive that fuels him every day; and the deep-rooted responsibility he feels to be a nurturing role model for his younger brothers. Fader illustrates a more vulnerable star than people know, a person who has evolved triumphantly into all of his roles: as father, brother, son, teammate, and global icon. Giannis gives readers a front-row seat as Antetokounmpo strives for an elusive championship with the Bucks, quelling speculation about potentially leaving Milwaukee after signing a five-year supermax contract extension worth $228 million. Now, he contends with his next big hurdle: proving that committing to a small-market franchise can bring Milwaukee back to glory.
As the face of the NBA's new world order, Giannis Antetokounmpo has overcome unfathomable obstacles to become a symbol of hope for people all over the world, the personification of the American Dream. But his backstory remains largely untold, and Fader unearths new information about the childhood that shaped "The Greek Freak"—from sleeping side by side with his brothers to selling trinkets on the side of the street with his family to the racism he experienced in Greece. Antetokounmpo grew up in an era when Golden Dawn, Greek's far-right, anti-immigrant party, patrolled his neighborhood, and his status as an illegal immigrant largely prevented him from playing for Greek's top clubs, making his rise to the NBA all the more improbable. Fader tells a deeply-human story of how an unknown, skinny, Black-Greek teen, who played in the country's lowest pro division and was seen as a draft gamble, transformed his body and his game into MVP material.
Antetokounmpo's story has been framed as a feel-good narrative in which the globe has embraced him, watching him grow up and lead the underdog Bucks to the best record in the NBA in 2020. Giannis reveals a more nuanced story: how hesitant Antetokounmpo was, and still is, to spend money; how lonely and isolated he felt, adjusting to America and the NBA early in his career; the way he changed after his father recently died of a heart attack; the complexity of grappling with his Black and Greek identities; how private he is, so hard on himself and his shortcomings, a drive that fuels him every day; and the deep-rooted responsibility he feels to be a nurturing role model for his younger brothers. Fader illustrates a more vulnerable star than people know, a person who has evolved triumphantly into all of his roles: as father, brother, son, teammate, and global icon. Giannis gives readers a front-row seat as Antetokounmpo strives for an elusive championship with the Bucks, quelling speculation about potentially leaving Milwaukee after signing a five-year supermax contract extension worth $228 million. Now, he contends with his next big hurdle: proving that committing to a small-market franchise can bring Milwaukee back to glory.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2021
402 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
August 11, 2021
Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP was an excellent, in depth look at one of basketball’s rising leaders.
Mirin Fader conducted 221 interviews in the process of writing this book. It’s thorough, covering Giannis’s childhood in Greece where he grew up loving soccer and eventually came around to basketball, the bond he and his brothers share, the struggles his family faced — being evicted from their home and not knowing where their next meal would come from, the unfortunate prevalence of racism that still remains in Greece today, Giannis’s pursuit of basketball — a slow and steady one compared to many other NBA players today, and his arrival in the league and in America, as he attempted to adjust to the vast contrast in culture and life here, followed by his rise in the league.
I truly can’t fathom hunger at the level of pain and exhaustion the Antetokounmpo family experienced. It can be easy to judge athletes from afar, but they’re people first and so many have come from such humble beginnings.
I’m not a Bucks fan, but can’t help rooting for Giannis — He is a dedicated student of the game, committed to his craft, polite to all, grateful, devoted to family, has incredible athletic prowess, and is funny. While this book was finished slightly before the 2021 Finals, the Bucks winning the championship this year only further solidified Giannis’s place as a worthy opponent. His story is an inspiring one.
Thank you to Hachette Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of Giannis in exchange for an honest review.
Mirin Fader conducted 221 interviews in the process of writing this book. It’s thorough, covering Giannis’s childhood in Greece where he grew up loving soccer and eventually came around to basketball, the bond he and his brothers share, the struggles his family faced — being evicted from their home and not knowing where their next meal would come from, the unfortunate prevalence of racism that still remains in Greece today, Giannis’s pursuit of basketball — a slow and steady one compared to many other NBA players today, and his arrival in the league and in America, as he attempted to adjust to the vast contrast in culture and life here, followed by his rise in the league.
I truly can’t fathom hunger at the level of pain and exhaustion the Antetokounmpo family experienced. It can be easy to judge athletes from afar, but they’re people first and so many have come from such humble beginnings.
I’m not a Bucks fan, but can’t help rooting for Giannis — He is a dedicated student of the game, committed to his craft, polite to all, grateful, devoted to family, has incredible athletic prowess, and is funny. While this book was finished slightly before the 2021 Finals, the Bucks winning the championship this year only further solidified Giannis’s place as a worthy opponent. His story is an inspiring one.
Thank you to Hachette Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of Giannis in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2021
If I can't be the face of the league being me, I don't want to be the face of the league.
The human aspect of this story is what makes good biographies good. I appreciate the glimpse into another person through their happiness & sadness, struggles & successes. It can't just be a collection of facts. For the biography to affect me, it has to go beyond that.
Giannis succeeds as biography. It's meticulous. The story starts with Giannis' childhood in Greece, where he and his family had to experience eviction from home, daily hunger, and the pervasiveness of racism. The story slowly becomes more and more optimistic, but the struggles continue even after Giannis' arrival in the US. The author, Mirin Fader, made me appreciate Giannis' perseverance and overall attitude. I got a bit teary-eyed multiple times while reading the story.
The book was finished before the 2021 NBA Finals, where the Bucks (the team Giannis plays for) won the championship, and Giannis won the Finals MVP. I watched most of the playoff games and hoped for their success. Reading this book made me appreciate their win even more. If you're a basketball fan, it's a worthy read.
The human aspect of this story is what makes good biographies good. I appreciate the glimpse into another person through their happiness & sadness, struggles & successes. It can't just be a collection of facts. For the biography to affect me, it has to go beyond that.
Giannis succeeds as biography. It's meticulous. The story starts with Giannis' childhood in Greece, where he and his family had to experience eviction from home, daily hunger, and the pervasiveness of racism. The story slowly becomes more and more optimistic, but the struggles continue even after Giannis' arrival in the US. The author, Mirin Fader, made me appreciate Giannis' perseverance and overall attitude. I got a bit teary-eyed multiple times while reading the story.
The book was finished before the 2021 NBA Finals, where the Bucks (the team Giannis plays for) won the championship, and Giannis won the Finals MVP. I watched most of the playoff games and hoped for their success. Reading this book made me appreciate their win even more. If you're a basketball fan, it's a worthy read.
June 27, 2021
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC.
As a direct result of reading, "Giannis" by Mirin Fader, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new fan.
Growing up in Greece with two undocumented, refugee parents and three brothers delt Giannis a hard lot in life. "Fate can start you at the bottom. Dreams can take you to the top." Giannis' never stop believing, never stop working, mentality and the drive and support of his family, got him drafted to the NBA. Then, as you read, the real work began.
The biggest take away I got from this book is, you will not be tomorrow where you are today. If you have a goal, take steps toward it every day. Giannis took opportunities to learn and develop. He took notes. He asked questions. He was not afraid to learn from others. He looked toward coaches and mentors for guidance and support. And then, he worked. He worked longer and harder than anyone else on his team, because that is the level of dedication it takes to be the best.
This book had me searching on Google and watching basketball highlights of Giannis and Baby Shaq. It was refreshing to read Fader's descriptions of Giannis playing and then to watch youtube videos of exactly what the book described. I learned so much more than just about Giannis. It seems fitting to include in a book about Giannis Antetokounmpo some relevant and timely historical anecdotes of Greece (the country He loves), history of the Milwakee Bucks (his team) and the members if Giannis' family (that he loves so much).
The question I ask myself is, would I read this book again? Yes! The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo is inspiring and helps me feel entirely grateful for my life experiences.
As a direct result of reading, "Giannis" by Mirin Fader, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new fan.
Growing up in Greece with two undocumented, refugee parents and three brothers delt Giannis a hard lot in life. "Fate can start you at the bottom. Dreams can take you to the top." Giannis' never stop believing, never stop working, mentality and the drive and support of his family, got him drafted to the NBA. Then, as you read, the real work began.
The biggest take away I got from this book is, you will not be tomorrow where you are today. If you have a goal, take steps toward it every day. Giannis took opportunities to learn and develop. He took notes. He asked questions. He was not afraid to learn from others. He looked toward coaches and mentors for guidance and support. And then, he worked. He worked longer and harder than anyone else on his team, because that is the level of dedication it takes to be the best.
This book had me searching on Google and watching basketball highlights of Giannis and Baby Shaq. It was refreshing to read Fader's descriptions of Giannis playing and then to watch youtube videos of exactly what the book described. I learned so much more than just about Giannis. It seems fitting to include in a book about Giannis Antetokounmpo some relevant and timely historical anecdotes of Greece (the country He loves), history of the Milwakee Bucks (his team) and the members if Giannis' family (that he loves so much).
The question I ask myself is, would I read this book again? Yes! The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo is inspiring and helps me feel entirely grateful for my life experiences.
December 27, 2021
A large step out of my comfort zone, but still a heartwarming story
November 14, 2021
Like everyone else, I'm obsessed with Giannis for his kindness, his humility, his insane work ethic. This book gave me basically exactly what I was hoping for: an exploration into how someone like this comes to exist.
The answer seems to be, among other things: unbelievable hardship. This is a person who was literally starving for most of his childhood. It's intensely moving to read about how Giannis would struggle on the court as a teenager because he wasn't eating (because he was giving his portions to his younger brothers). Any account of Giannis's rise from nothing would be inspiring, but this book is well-researched and fast-paced and decently written, with a gazillion little anecdotes that do feel like they give you a window into who this person really is.
Some highlights: 1) All the stuff about his intense, soulful relationships with his three brothers. Weirdly, there are a ton of pages in this book devoted to Alex Antetokounmpo, the "non-NBA brother." (The three older brothers have all won NBA titles.) This might seem sort of irrelevant, but I loved this stuff. If you've ever wondered, like I have, "What would it be like to be Giannis's less-talented but equally hardworking and basketball-obsessed little brother?"--these sections are fascinating.
2) The stuff about Jason Kidd, a psychopath who is basically the real-life equivalent of JK Simmons's character in Whiplash.
3) And obviously, all the extremely cute anecdotes after Giannis is first drafted, where he's making more money than he ever dreamed of, and he's by far the worst player on the Bucks, and he has no idea what he's doing, and he can't even bear to buy himself a Playstation because it feels selfish, and he's jogging through Milwaukee to the arena in the middle of winter after sending almost the entirety of his paycheck back to Greece.
Anyway: Giannis is an absurdly lovable player and person, and this book is just what I hoped it would be.
The answer seems to be, among other things: unbelievable hardship. This is a person who was literally starving for most of his childhood. It's intensely moving to read about how Giannis would struggle on the court as a teenager because he wasn't eating (because he was giving his portions to his younger brothers). Any account of Giannis's rise from nothing would be inspiring, but this book is well-researched and fast-paced and decently written, with a gazillion little anecdotes that do feel like they give you a window into who this person really is.
Some highlights: 1) All the stuff about his intense, soulful relationships with his three brothers. Weirdly, there are a ton of pages in this book devoted to Alex Antetokounmpo, the "non-NBA brother." (The three older brothers have all won NBA titles.) This might seem sort of irrelevant, but I loved this stuff. If you've ever wondered, like I have, "What would it be like to be Giannis's less-talented but equally hardworking and basketball-obsessed little brother?"--these sections are fascinating.
2) The stuff about Jason Kidd, a psychopath who is basically the real-life equivalent of JK Simmons's character in Whiplash.
3) And obviously, all the extremely cute anecdotes after Giannis is first drafted, where he's making more money than he ever dreamed of, and he's by far the worst player on the Bucks, and he has no idea what he's doing, and he can't even bear to buy himself a Playstation because it feels selfish, and he's jogging through Milwaukee to the arena in the middle of winter after sending almost the entirety of his paycheck back to Greece.
Anyway: Giannis is an absurdly lovable player and person, and this book is just what I hoped it would be.
September 5, 2021
Of course I was going to read this book right after Giannis led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. It was fascinating learning about his life growing up on Greece and his first few years in Milwaukee. We had no idea what he was going through.
Obviously I knew the book wouldn't include the championship (you can bet I'll be checking out the expanded version from the library once it comes out), but I was also disappointed at how rushed the chapter about the 2020 season was. Some really important things happened that year, including the bubble, Giannis marching in the Black Lives Matter marches, the Bucks refusing to take the court for a playoff game and, of course, Giannis' contract extension. Hopefully the author will be able to go deeper into those issues in the next version too. That aside, I'm just in awe of this amazing athlete and charmed by his intense, humble, goofy personality.
Obviously I knew the book wouldn't include the championship (you can bet I'll be checking out the expanded version from the library once it comes out), but I was also disappointed at how rushed the chapter about the 2020 season was. Some really important things happened that year, including the bubble, Giannis marching in the Black Lives Matter marches, the Bucks refusing to take the court for a playoff game and, of course, Giannis' contract extension. Hopefully the author will be able to go deeper into those issues in the next version too. That aside, I'm just in awe of this amazing athlete and charmed by his intense, humble, goofy personality.
February 11, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently one of the biggest stars in professional basketball. He is the best player on the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA champions and Giannis was named the MVP of the Finals as well as being the league’s MVP the previous season. His rise to fame is a very inspiring story and this biography by Mirin Fader is a wonderful telling of Giannis’ story.
His story starts in Greece, where he and his brothers Alex and Thanasis were raised by loving parents who were refugees from Nigeria. The family was poor – at times it was hard to read about how little food they had. When Giannis started playing basketball and had the drive to continuously work on his game, he started to get noticed by first Greek coaches and then scouts from other nations as well. Through it all, Giannis remained humble but focused solely on improving his game.
He did so enough that the Bucks decided to take a chance on drafting him after meeting him in Greece.
His story soon after signing a contract for more money than he could imagine was very interesting reading as well, as he had trouble adjusting to living with the privileges being an NBA player and the associated money brought him. It was enjoyable to read about him not only sending money to his family (and eventually brining them to the United States) but also how he would still live frugally after being used to doing that for so long. Giannis’ manners and polite but firm discussions with his coaches also are frequently documented to give the reader a complete picture of his personality.
As for his basketball, his rise to fame also came with bumps in the road. His determination to play against the best players in the league came at a price, especially early in his NBA career before building up his muscles. I loved reading about Giannis’s determination and insistence on guarding Carmelo Anthony in his rookie year. That he wanted to test himself against, at that time, one of the best players in the league said volumes to his work ethic – something that Fader writes about frequently.
Like Giannis himself, the Bucks also saw their play and their fortunes rise, culminating in their 2021 championship. While this book was written before that occurred, it doesn’t diminish the quality of writing in this book and the complete telling of the story of one of the most popular and entertaining players in the game today. A must read for today’s basketball fan.
I wish to thank Hachette Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
His story starts in Greece, where he and his brothers Alex and Thanasis were raised by loving parents who were refugees from Nigeria. The family was poor – at times it was hard to read about how little food they had. When Giannis started playing basketball and had the drive to continuously work on his game, he started to get noticed by first Greek coaches and then scouts from other nations as well. Through it all, Giannis remained humble but focused solely on improving his game.
He did so enough that the Bucks decided to take a chance on drafting him after meeting him in Greece.
His story soon after signing a contract for more money than he could imagine was very interesting reading as well, as he had trouble adjusting to living with the privileges being an NBA player and the associated money brought him. It was enjoyable to read about him not only sending money to his family (and eventually brining them to the United States) but also how he would still live frugally after being used to doing that for so long. Giannis’ manners and polite but firm discussions with his coaches also are frequently documented to give the reader a complete picture of his personality.
As for his basketball, his rise to fame also came with bumps in the road. His determination to play against the best players in the league came at a price, especially early in his NBA career before building up his muscles. I loved reading about Giannis’s determination and insistence on guarding Carmelo Anthony in his rookie year. That he wanted to test himself against, at that time, one of the best players in the league said volumes to his work ethic – something that Fader writes about frequently.
Like Giannis himself, the Bucks also saw their play and their fortunes rise, culminating in their 2021 championship. While this book was written before that occurred, it doesn’t diminish the quality of writing in this book and the complete telling of the story of one of the most popular and entertaining players in the game today. A must read for today’s basketball fan.
I wish to thank Hachette Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
January 4, 2022
If I can’t be the face of the league being me, then I don’t want to be the face of the league.
I cried multiple times during this book. Giannis is truly special. I would even recommend this book to people who aren’t Bucks fans, or even NBA fans.
This book was finished before the Bucks won their NBA Championship, and it’s made me appreciate that win even more. #BucksIn6
I cried multiple times during this book. Giannis is truly special. I would even recommend this book to people who aren’t Bucks fans, or even NBA fans.
This book was finished before the Bucks won their NBA Championship, and it’s made me appreciate that win even more. #BucksIn6
November 12, 2021
The first, comprehensive biography ever published for Giannis Antetokounmpo is an enormous, collective project that featured over 200 interviews from various sources which were part of Giannis' life, from his early days as a teenager in Greece, all the way to the stardom of the NBA All Star games. There is no question regarding the pain-stacking research that went into this book, a fact which helps to highlight fervently certain aspects about its subject, and dissolve all doubt regarding it; Giannis worked his sweat off to reach the level of basketball he stands in, today.
The story begins with his life in Greece or, rather, his survival whilst living in it. Mirin Fader has no qualms about describing the systemic racism that is so embedded in Greeks, to this day. As a Greek myself, it was a bit hard but, ultimately, necessary to see how many of my fellow countrymen had treated a bunch of kids, an entire family, as something unworthy. I respect Fader, however, for not colouring these events with any disdain or hatred, but only reporting them in detail as to understand how hard it was for Giannis to rise above all. Above things that would make most children crumble or turn violent and hateful. Amidst all this, Fader never fails to mention all those Greek people who were instrumental in helping him flourish, survive, or were kind enough to just not let him starve. We have a long, long way forward, as a country, but it was nice to see that we have some people that look beyond skin complexion.
Another major element that Fader pays distinct importance to is the power and influence your own family can have on you. There isn't a chapter that doesn't mention Giannis' parents and/or brothers, as people for whom he always played his heart out, and for whom he learnt to work his hardest in order to achieve his dreams. Make no mistake about it; from the moment he set foot on American soil, Giannis' progress was based solely on the enormous work he put himself through to become better, stronger, worthy of the NBA level he wanted to excel at. On that note, he was, for me, incredibly lucky to land on the Bucks, a team that understood the need to let him slowly develop, a team that wasn't on an immediate championship hunt, a franchise that didn't drive him quickly to the ground by expecting more than he could possibly give as a late teenager.
The reason I give this book three stars is because I couldn't help but roll my eyes, or grow tired, at Fader's constant awe laced writing. Fawning constantly over things, even the smallest ones, that Giannis succeeded at, making dramatic remarks in every chapter, blowing things unnecessarily out of proportion. There is no way that every person who saw Giannis, in his eighteen year old scrawny form, could say that he saw something special in him. It's just unrealistic and crosses the line of exaggeration. Giannis' story is remarkable enough that it didn't need Fader's own emotions magnifying everything. On top of that, and because of one of Fader's past article on the youngest of the Antetokounmpos, she can't stop emphasising on the importance of family, and its values, in every single chapter. We get it; family is important to Giannis. The amount she spends, however, describing on how Alex Antetokounmpo keeps rising to meet the expectations of his brothers is not only constantly repeated, but borders on obsession. I can't help but feel that maybe Alex didn't want to be a basketball player, but his nepotistic legacy demands him to pick up the orange ball. I almost felt sad for him.
All in all, for someone who is a fan of Giannis Antetokounmpo, or just of a rags - to - riches story, this book offers a lot of insight into one of the most remarkable tales of one of the greatest, modern basketball players. It's just a shame that it couldn't be written by a more experienced writer, one who could keep his emotions in check, and not let his past, journalistic experience in... Bleacher Report influence their writing on what could have been an incredible biography to share.
The story begins with his life in Greece or, rather, his survival whilst living in it. Mirin Fader has no qualms about describing the systemic racism that is so embedded in Greeks, to this day. As a Greek myself, it was a bit hard but, ultimately, necessary to see how many of my fellow countrymen had treated a bunch of kids, an entire family, as something unworthy. I respect Fader, however, for not colouring these events with any disdain or hatred, but only reporting them in detail as to understand how hard it was for Giannis to rise above all. Above things that would make most children crumble or turn violent and hateful. Amidst all this, Fader never fails to mention all those Greek people who were instrumental in helping him flourish, survive, or were kind enough to just not let him starve. We have a long, long way forward, as a country, but it was nice to see that we have some people that look beyond skin complexion.
Another major element that Fader pays distinct importance to is the power and influence your own family can have on you. There isn't a chapter that doesn't mention Giannis' parents and/or brothers, as people for whom he always played his heart out, and for whom he learnt to work his hardest in order to achieve his dreams. Make no mistake about it; from the moment he set foot on American soil, Giannis' progress was based solely on the enormous work he put himself through to become better, stronger, worthy of the NBA level he wanted to excel at. On that note, he was, for me, incredibly lucky to land on the Bucks, a team that understood the need to let him slowly develop, a team that wasn't on an immediate championship hunt, a franchise that didn't drive him quickly to the ground by expecting more than he could possibly give as a late teenager.
The reason I give this book three stars is because I couldn't help but roll my eyes, or grow tired, at Fader's constant awe laced writing. Fawning constantly over things, even the smallest ones, that Giannis succeeded at, making dramatic remarks in every chapter, blowing things unnecessarily out of proportion. There is no way that every person who saw Giannis, in his eighteen year old scrawny form, could say that he saw something special in him. It's just unrealistic and crosses the line of exaggeration. Giannis' story is remarkable enough that it didn't need Fader's own emotions magnifying everything. On top of that, and because of one of Fader's past article on the youngest of the Antetokounmpos, she can't stop emphasising on the importance of family, and its values, in every single chapter. We get it; family is important to Giannis. The amount she spends, however, describing on how Alex Antetokounmpo keeps rising to meet the expectations of his brothers is not only constantly repeated, but borders on obsession. I can't help but feel that maybe Alex didn't want to be a basketball player, but his nepotistic legacy demands him to pick up the orange ball. I almost felt sad for him.
All in all, for someone who is a fan of Giannis Antetokounmpo, or just of a rags - to - riches story, this book offers a lot of insight into one of the most remarkable tales of one of the greatest, modern basketball players. It's just a shame that it couldn't be written by a more experienced writer, one who could keep his emotions in check, and not let his past, journalistic experience in... Bleacher Report influence their writing on what could have been an incredible biography to share.
March 9, 2025
Giannis is a gem and his story is amazing. However the book was repetitive af and could have been much shorter. I respect the author for all of her research, but many pages are spent quoting people who are saying the exact same thing in different ways and not adding much value to the book. I would still recommend this to any basketball fans. I'm definitely a bigger Giannis fan now.
Sorry about 2019 tho Kawhi goated go Raptors
Sorry about 2019 tho Kawhi goated go Raptors
September 15, 2022
HANNA READS A BOOK ABOUT SPORTS NOT CLICKBAIT!!!!!
I'm sure you'll all be surprised to find out that sports have never really been all that interesting to me. Unfortunately, I picked a man that DOES like sports, and when I found out John's favorite sport was basketball, I thanked my lucky stars that I wouldn't have to sit through football games because, hard as I may try, I can't wrap my little brain around the rules. At least with basketball, I know you move from one end of the court to the other, and the ball is even big enough to see.
Though I might not be enthralled by every basketball game we watch, one thing I can never get enough of is a good memoir, and boy, are there a lot of memoirs about basketball players.
This month I tackled Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP written by Mirin Fader. Fader begins telling this story in Giannis' childhood in Greece, where he and his family experienced many difficulties with poverty and racism. When Giannis was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, many were skeptical of the skinny young man from Greece, both on and off the court, but this skepticism soon gave way to adoration. Through the last decade in the NBA, Giannis has grown into himself, winning awards, games, and hearts all over the world. Fader doesn't have to work hard to paint a lovable picture of this gentle giant.
Fader conducted 221 interviews in order to write Giannis' story. Giannis is only 27 years old, but Fader had no difficulty filling pages and pages about his struggles and accomplishments. It becomes immediately evident that Giannis has lived many lives in his short time on this earth.
Despite your interest level in the game of basketball, Giannis' success story is a heartwarming tale of persistence and overcoming odds, all while staying true to yourself.
I'm sure you'll all be surprised to find out that sports have never really been all that interesting to me. Unfortunately, I picked a man that DOES like sports, and when I found out John's favorite sport was basketball, I thanked my lucky stars that I wouldn't have to sit through football games because, hard as I may try, I can't wrap my little brain around the rules. At least with basketball, I know you move from one end of the court to the other, and the ball is even big enough to see.
Though I might not be enthralled by every basketball game we watch, one thing I can never get enough of is a good memoir, and boy, are there a lot of memoirs about basketball players.
This month I tackled Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP written by Mirin Fader. Fader begins telling this story in Giannis' childhood in Greece, where he and his family experienced many difficulties with poverty and racism. When Giannis was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, many were skeptical of the skinny young man from Greece, both on and off the court, but this skepticism soon gave way to adoration. Through the last decade in the NBA, Giannis has grown into himself, winning awards, games, and hearts all over the world. Fader doesn't have to work hard to paint a lovable picture of this gentle giant.
Fader conducted 221 interviews in order to write Giannis' story. Giannis is only 27 years old, but Fader had no difficulty filling pages and pages about his struggles and accomplishments. It becomes immediately evident that Giannis has lived many lives in his short time on this earth.
Despite your interest level in the game of basketball, Giannis' success story is a heartwarming tale of persistence and overcoming odds, all while staying true to yourself.
January 21, 2022
What a RIDE.
Also the whole time I kept thinking about that Gaga meme - “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference…”
Also the whole time I kept thinking about that Gaga meme - “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference…”
August 30, 2021
Giannis, a Greek God, is too pure for us mere mortals.
July 24, 2022
Basketball fans and non basketball fans will love this book. I thought I knew a lot about Giannis before reading this book, but I was definitely wrong. Mirin Fader does an amazing job explaining who Giannis is on a very deep level from his thought processes to his quirky habits. She is an incredible writer and kept me hooked the entire time I was reading the story. I have a much deeper appreciation for his family, the values that they hold, and the game of basketball. This is a story I will definitely come back to.
February 22, 2023
Already a huge fan of his, this book re-affirmed my appreciation and love for a player as unique and special as Giannis, especially in today's ego-centric NBA. 221 interviews later, Fader compiles what is sure to go down as a historical testament to the power of hard work and determination.
With the Raptors in purgatory this feels like as good a reason as any to pick up the Bucks as my NBA side-piece.
With the Raptors in purgatory this feels like as good a reason as any to pick up the Bucks as my NBA side-piece.
February 25, 2023
This book made me way more emotional than I thought it would. I already loved Giannis, but this book just shows how good of a person he is. Love Giannis and Milwaukee!!!
November 19, 2025
The Greek Freak 🇬🇷
From poor to champion 🏀🏆
From poor to champion 🏀🏆
December 31, 2021
Giannis is the man
September 27, 2021
Loved it!
November 24, 2021
I always knew Giannis was amazing and this book just solidified this more. Amazing man with an amazing family and mindset. Kobe would be proud.
April 24, 2024
It was always going to be 5 stars for my king. I love you Giannis.
June 4, 2021
Giannis is an inspirational book about one of the NBA's most dominant athletes, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his rise to NBA royalty. I think this is going to be a staple read for basketball fans.
I love watching basketball and have since I was a young girl watching games with my dad. Giannis is one of my favorite players to watch because he is so dominant on the court and always gives his all. So, I was excited to finally get to know more about Giannis as a person.
The book starts out with an introduction to his childhood in Greece. His story is more than just rags to riches it's about striving for greatness even when everyone and everything seems like they are against you. We quickly learn how much family means to him. When he was young, he had to find jobs wherever he could because he wanted to help his family financially. His family faced struggles and once he found the sport of basketball he knew he would do whatever he could to make it to the NBA and change his and his family's life.
When Giannis got older and started to take basketball more seriously, he still wasn't on scouts or teams' radars. He was a lanky, uncoordinated kid who loved the game but nothing screamed superstar to anyone...anyone except his family. His parents and his brothers always believed he could be one of the greats. Giannis is so grateful for their support and that pushed him. He worked hard, stayed in the gym longer, and did whatever he could to make sure he was putting himself in the best position to succeed. But like I said before most people weren't rooting for him. As many of us know, Giannis grew up in Greece so you would assume that the people of Greece would be rooting for a local athlete. Sadly that was not the case. Unfortunately, because of the color of his skin, he faced racism on a daily basis. Why you may ask? Well according to some he couldn't possibly be black and from Greece. I have to applaud Giannis because he took the high road never putting down the people of Greece and keeping quiet about the unfortunate racism he faced.
That's why it was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when he made it to the NBA and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He felt like he did it and could take care of his family. But he still would face many ups and downs. So many wondered if he could produce and be effective but he never doubted himself. Every time someone thought he wasn't good enough he strived to prove them wrong.
I enjoyed this story and loved reading interviews about his humor and his positive attitude. He is so humble and never wants to forget where he came from. Just because he is making millions doesn't mean that he spends it all in one place. He is very smart with his money and I think that's because of his struggles. And because of those struggles, he doesn't want to lose what he has so that motivates him every day.
I give Giannis 5 stars. It's such a powerful story about a young boy from Greece having a dream and making it a reality with hard work, determination, and the support of family. His story is an inspiration and shows people that fame doesn't always have to change a person. I look forward to the day when Giannis is holding up the NBA Championship trophy.
I love watching basketball and have since I was a young girl watching games with my dad. Giannis is one of my favorite players to watch because he is so dominant on the court and always gives his all. So, I was excited to finally get to know more about Giannis as a person.
The book starts out with an introduction to his childhood in Greece. His story is more than just rags to riches it's about striving for greatness even when everyone and everything seems like they are against you. We quickly learn how much family means to him. When he was young, he had to find jobs wherever he could because he wanted to help his family financially. His family faced struggles and once he found the sport of basketball he knew he would do whatever he could to make it to the NBA and change his and his family's life.
When Giannis got older and started to take basketball more seriously, he still wasn't on scouts or teams' radars. He was a lanky, uncoordinated kid who loved the game but nothing screamed superstar to anyone...anyone except his family. His parents and his brothers always believed he could be one of the greats. Giannis is so grateful for their support and that pushed him. He worked hard, stayed in the gym longer, and did whatever he could to make sure he was putting himself in the best position to succeed. But like I said before most people weren't rooting for him. As many of us know, Giannis grew up in Greece so you would assume that the people of Greece would be rooting for a local athlete. Sadly that was not the case. Unfortunately, because of the color of his skin, he faced racism on a daily basis. Why you may ask? Well according to some he couldn't possibly be black and from Greece. I have to applaud Giannis because he took the high road never putting down the people of Greece and keeping quiet about the unfortunate racism he faced.
That's why it was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when he made it to the NBA and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He felt like he did it and could take care of his family. But he still would face many ups and downs. So many wondered if he could produce and be effective but he never doubted himself. Every time someone thought he wasn't good enough he strived to prove them wrong.
I enjoyed this story and loved reading interviews about his humor and his positive attitude. He is so humble and never wants to forget where he came from. Just because he is making millions doesn't mean that he spends it all in one place. He is very smart with his money and I think that's because of his struggles. And because of those struggles, he doesn't want to lose what he has so that motivates him every day.
I give Giannis 5 stars. It's such a powerful story about a young boy from Greece having a dream and making it a reality with hard work, determination, and the support of family. His story is an inspiration and shows people that fame doesn't always have to change a person. I look forward to the day when Giannis is holding up the NBA Championship trophy.
September 18, 2021
Ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω το βιβλίο “Γιάννης. Εκτόξευση στα αστέρια” (Εκδόσεις Διόπτρα) και από την πρώτη παράγραφο, των τριών αράδων, η καρδιά μου σφίχτηκε. Θα μπορούσε να είναι κάλλιστα η αρχή ενός μυθιστορήματος, μα η γνώση πως πρόκειται για μια αληθινή ιστορία, για τη βιογραφία ενός σπουδαίου -αν και ακόμα είναι μόλις 27 ετών- ανθρώπου, με τάραξε. “Ο Γιάννης Αντετοκούνμπο και η οικογένειά του δεν είχαν καιρό για χάσιμο. Έπρεπε να αδειάσουν το διαμέρισμα πριν βραδιάσει. Το νοίκι είχε μείνει απλήρωτο. Ξανά. Τους έκαναν έξωση. Ξανά”.
Στις επόμενες πολλές σελίδες, έμελλε να συναντήσω δεκάδες αποσπάσματα-γροθιά στο στομάχι, πολλά εκ των οποίων με έκαναν αβίαστα να κλάψω. Όχι μόνο για την οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο και για τα όσα πέρασε. Είναι, άλλωστε, μια παρηγοριά ότι πλέον οι άνθρωποι ζουν πολύ καλά (αν και έχασαν πρόωρα τον pater familias, Τσαρλς -πόσο κρίμα που δεν πρόλαβε να δει τον γιο του στα αστέρια, πόσο κρίμα που δεν μπόρεσε να ��ήσει επιτέλους ξέγνοιαστος). Πόνεσα και έκλαψα και για τόσες άλλες οικογένειες που δεν στάθηκαν τυχερές. Πόνεσα και έκλαψα για το πόσο σκατόψυχοι -επιτρέψτε μου την έκφραση- είναι πολύ συνάνθρωποί μας. Αναρωτήθηκα αν έχουν βρει λαγούμι να κρυφτούν ένα σωρό “Ελληναράδες” που άμεσα ή έμμεσα κατονομάζονται στο βιβλίο και που φέρθηκαν επιεικώς απαράδεκτα σε μια οικογένεια μεταναστών που είχε να θρέψει πέντε αγόρια, τέσσερα στην Ελλάδα (“τέσσερα μαύρα αγόρια σε μια κατάλευκη χώρα”) και ένα που είχε μείνει πίσω στη Νιγηρία. Πώς να νιώθουν, άραγε, σήμερα όσοι τους φώναζαν πιθήκους, όσοι τους πετούσαν μπουκάλια, όσοι τους έβριζαν, όσοι τους απέρριπταν, όσοι τους πέταγαν έξω από σπίτια; Τι έγινε στην Κρήτη; Τι έγινε στα Τρίκαλα; Πολύ φοβάμαι ότι η πλειονότητα αυτών θα έχει να καυχιέται πως κάποτε γνώριζε καλά τον κορυφαίο Έλληνα αθλητή. Και πως μια σημαντική μειοψηφία θα συνεχίζει τον μισανθρωπικό της οχετό, όπου την παίρνει.
Όσες ώρες διάβαζα, προσπαθούσα ταυτόχρονα να σκεφτώ τη δομή αυτού του άρθρου-παρουσίασης του βιβλίου. Τελικά, αποφάσισα πως δεν θα έχει πολύ συγκροτημένη δομή, πως θα είναι μια σειρά από σκέψεις που μου γεννήθηκαν και από αποσπάσματα που με συγκλόνισαν. Σε ποιους, όμως, απευθύνεται το βιβλίο αυτό; Σχεδόν από όλους, είναι η απάντηση. Μπορεί να διαβαστεί από τους γονείς (τμηματικά) σαν παραμύθι στα παιδιά τους, αυτό είναι άλλωστε ένα παραμύθι αληθινό, μπορεί να διαβαστεί αυτούσιο από κάθε άνθρωπο άνω των 9-10 ετών ως μυθιστορηματική βιογραφία, μπορεί να διαβαστεί από λάτρεις του αθλητισμού και δη του μπάσκετ, μπορεί να διαβαστεί ως τεκμήριο από μελετητές της σύγχρονης Ελλάδας και της κοινωνικής της πραγματικότητας. Αυτοί που δεν μπορούν να το διαβάσουν με τίποτα είναι παντός τύπου φασίστες. Αυτοί που δίνουν το παρών σε κάθε σελίδα του, με τον έναν ή με τον άλλον τρόπο, αυτοί που δεν μπορούν να αγκαλιάσουν τα πλάσματα που διαφέρουν από ένα στραβοχυμένο καλούπι που έχουν στο “μυαλό” τους. Αυτοί που πληγώνουν με το μίσος τους. Α, και θα ζορίσει και λίγο όσους βγαίνουν τώρα και πανηγυρίζουν και αποθεώνουν τον Γιάννη και την οικογένειά του, αλλά όσο τους είχαν γείτονες, συμμαθητές, συνταξιδιώτες, συμπατριώτες, γύριζαν αλλού τα μούτρα τους όταν τους συναντούσαν και τους έβαζαν “τρικλοποδιές” όταν μπορούσαν.
Η βραβευμένη ρεπόρτερ και αρθρογράφος Mirin Fader έγραψε το “Γιάννης. Εκτόξευση στα αστέρια” παίρνοντας δεκάδες συνεντεύξεις τόσο από την οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο όσο και από ανθρώπους του περιβάλλοντός τους, αλλά και από πολιτικούς, άλλους Αφροέλληνες ή αθλητές. Έτσι ακολούθησε τα ίχνη της παιδικής ηλικίας, της εφηβείας, της ενηλικίωσης και εν τέλει της δικαίωσης ενός χαρισματικού αθλητή, που ανδρώθηκε σημαδεμένος από ακραία φτώχεια, ρατσισμό και ξενοφοβία. Κατάφερε δε να ενώσει με άριστο τρόπο το υλικό της και να δημιουργήσει ένα γλαφυρό κείμενο, γεμάτο λεπτομέρειες μα καθόλου κουραστικό, που ξεφεύγει κατά πολύ από μια απλή αθλητική βιογραφία. Ιδού, λοιπόν, οι… σημειώσεις που κράτησα για να σας μεταφέρω, χωρίς, όμως, να σας αποκαλύψω πολλά… Αξίζει να βουτήξετε στις σελίδες και να βιώσετε μαζί με τα παιδιά σας τη συντέλεια ενός σύγχρονου θαύματος.
Δεν είναι τυχαίο που ξεκινώ μιλώντας για θαύμα. Η χριστιανική πίστη είχε και έχει κεντρικό ρόλο στην οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο και φυσικά τους ενδυνάμωσε, ώστε να αντέξουν και να συνεχίζουν να παλεύουν και να ελπίζουν.
Δεν είχαν πάντοτε τι να φάνε. Κυριολεκτικά. Δεν είχαν κάποτε πού να μείνουν. Κυριολεκτικά. Όσα έζησαν τους έχουν βοηθήσει να παραμείνουν άνθρωποι και να μην αλλάξουν “όσο υπάρχουν στον κόσμο φτωχοί”.
Η εργατικότητα του Γιάννη και όλων των υπολοίπων πηγάζει από τα βιώματά τους. Ήταν μόνο έξι ετών όταν πρωτοβγήκε στο δρόμο να πουλήσει μπιχλιμπίδια με τον Θανάση και τη μαμά τους, τη Βερόνικα. Η μαμά τους πούλησε κάποτε τη βέρα της για να μπορέσει να αγοράσει φαγητό.
Ο Τσαρλς ώθησε τα αγόρια του προς τον αθλητισμό για να μην μπλέξουν με ναρκωτικά. Δοκίμασαν ποδόσφαιρο, πινγκ-πονγκ, στίβο μέχρι που εμφανίστηκε μπροστά τους ως από μηχανής θεός ο Σπύρος Βελληνιάτης. Ένας άνθρωπος, που όπως εξομολογείται, άκουσε τη φωνή του Θεού. Τι του είπε ο Θεός; Θα το μάθετε διαβάζοντας…
Αρχικά, ο Γιάννης απεχθανόταν το μπάσκετ, αλλά αγαπούσε πολύ τον Θανάση και… ακολούθησε τα βήματά του. Συχνά, τα αδέλφια έχαναν τις προπονήσεις στους στον Φιλαθλητικό, γιατί έπρεπε να δουλέψουν. Συχνά εξαφανίζονταν για καιρό. Δεν μπορούσαν να ακολουθήσουν την ομάδα σε αγώνες στην επαρχία όταν μετακινούνταν με αεροπλάνο, γιατί δεν είχαν ούτε ταυτότητα ούτε διαβατήριο.
Τα τέσσερα πιτσιρίκια ήταν αποστεωμένα και πεινούσαν. Οι συμπαίκτες τους προσπαθούσαν να τους εξασφαλίζουν φαγητό. Ζούσαν, φυσικά, στο ίδιο δωμάτιο και άλλαζαν μεταξύ τους ρούχα και παπούτσια. Υπήρξαν φορές που μοιράζονταν ένα σουβλάκι και οι τέσσερις.
Ο Γιάννης και δυο παιδικοί φίλοι του, μετανάστες επίσης, πήγαιναν στα Public για να παίξουν Xbox δωρεάν και μάζευαν ρεφενέ ψιλά να μπουν σε ίντερνετ καφέ να χαζέψουν φάσεις από το NBA. Έτσι έμαθε ο Γιάννης τον Τζούλιους Έρβινγκ, τον Άλεν Άιβερσον και φυσικά τον ΛεΜπρόν, τον μακαρίτη τον Κόμπι και τον Κέβιν Ντουράντ. Και έτσι αποφάσισε, χωρίς να έχει δείξει ακόμα ότι έχει μεγάλες αθλητικές ικανότητες, ότι θα παίξει στο NBA.
Υπήρχαν άνθρωποι που φρόντισαν την οικογένεια, γιατί εκτιμούσαν τη βαθιά καλοσύνη και αξιοπρέπειά τους. Ο δικηγόρος Πέτρος Πρόκος, η ηθοποιός Μαριέττα Σγουρδαίου, που έφερε τα δυο μεγάλα αγόρια για πρώτη φορά σε επαφή με σπουδαία πολιτιστικά έργα, ο -επίσης Αφροέλληνας- μπασκετμπολίστας Σοφοκλής Σχορτσανίτης, ο ιδιοκτήτης μιας καφετέριας στα Σεπόλια, Γιάννης Τζίκας, στον οποίον οι γείτονές του “την έλεγαν” που μιλούσε με τους μαύρους. Μιλάμε τώρα για το 2010-2012, με τη Χρυσή Αυγή να σαρώνει ή μάλλον να θερίζει στα Σεπόλια… Ο Γιάννης φοβόταν τους Χρυσαυγίτες. Φοβόταν, επίσης, ότι μια μέρα θα ξυπνούσε και δεν θα έβρισκε τους γονείς του, ότι η αστυνομία θα τους είχε πάρει σηκωτούς.
Ο Κορνέλ Ντάβιντ, τότε σκάουτερ των Σανς, ήταν ο πρώτος από το NBA που κατάλαβε το 2012 τις προοπτικές του Γιάννη. “Αυτό το παιδί μπορεί να γίνει Μάτζικ Τζόνσον”, έγραψε στις σημειώσεις του. Ο δε Θανάσης, που είχε καταφέρει να υπογράψει με το Μαρούσι στην Α1, φρόντισε χάρη στην ισχυρή του προσωπικότητα να συστήσει τον μικρό αδελφό του σε Έλληνες μάνατζερ. Αν και δεν είχε χαρτιά, γινόταν μια προσπάθεια να τον πάρει η Σαραγόσα. Πριν προλάβει, όμως, να γίνει αυτό, κάπως συνέβη και ένα βίντεό του έφτασε στα χέρια των Μπακς. Κι έτσι, εμφανίστηκαν μεγαλοπαράγοντες και ατζέντηδες του NBA στου Ζωγράφου, στο παλιογήπεδο του ταπεινού Φιλαθλητικού. Για να δουν έναν τύπο “από το πουθενά”. Έναν πιτσιρικά που δεν είχε καν το δικαίωμα να ταξιδέψει εκτός (ή εντός με αεροπλάνο) Ελλάδος. Ο δεκαεπτάχρονος Γιάννης δεν είχε ιδέα για το παρασκήνιο γύρω από το όνομά του, για όλα όσα διαδραματίζονταν στην άλλη όχθη του Ατλαντικού. Εντωμεταξύ, οι προπονητές του στην Ελλάδα άρχισαν να δίνουν μάχη για να αποκτήσει το παιδί χαρτιά…
Αυτός που μεσολάβησε στον τότε πρωθυπουργό Αντώνη Σαμαρά ώστε να βγουν άμεσα τα χαρτιά του Γιάννη ήταν, για πολιτικούς σαφώς λόγους, ο Γιάννης Ιωαννίδης, τότε υπουργός αθλητισμού, ενώ ενεπλάκησαν και ο Γιώργος Βασιλακόπουλος και ο μακαρίτης ο Κώστας Πολίτης. Το παρασκήνιο και τα όσα έλεγαν ορισμένοι από τους σημερινούς αποθεωτές του, θα τα διαβάσετε στο βιβλίο και θα απογοητευτείτε με τα χάλια μας. Η ουσία είναι ότι ο Γιάννης και ο Θανάσης πήραν διαβατήριο (αρχικά μόνο αυτοί, μη χαίρεστε…) και ταξίδεψαν στις ΗΠΑ. Έκτοτε, η μεταμόρφωσή του, σωματική και πνευματική, υπήρξε θεαματική. Ο Γιάννης με το παράξενο επώνυμο επιλέχτηκε στο ντραφτ από τους Μπακς and the rest is history…
Όσα έγραψα μέχρις εδώ είναι αλιευμένα από το μισό περίπου βιβλίο. Το άλλο μισό επικεντρώνεται στη ζωή του μετέφηβου Γιάννη και της οικογένειάς του στις ΗΠΑ, εκεί όπου ο “αράπης από τα Σεπόλια” μεταμορφώθηκε σε Greek Freak, εκεί όπου γνώρισε τη σύντροφο και μητέρα των παιδιών του, εκεί όπου μπόρεσε πια να φροντίζει ασταμάτητα για όλους, εκεί όπου δούλεψε απίστευτα σκληρά, εκεί όπου βίωσε την τεράστια απώλεια του πατέρα του, εκεί όπου έγινε ήρωας εδώ, αναδεικνυόμενος τρις MVP regular season και παίζοντας σε κάμποσα All Star Games, εκεί όπου υπέγραψε πέρυσι ένα εξωφρενικό συμβόλαιο και εκεί όπου έγινε, οχτώ χρόνια μετά το παρθενικό του ταξίδι, πρωταθλητής NBA.
Θα μπορούσα να γράφω ώρες ακόμα, αλλά φτάνει. Νομίζω πως καταλάβατε ότι αυτό το βιβλίο αξίζει να διαβαστεί από όλους μας. Γιατί κυρίως πρέπει να το διαβάσουν τα παιδιά μας, τα συχνά κακομαθημένα, απαιτητικά, τεμπέλικα παιδιά που μεγαλώνουμε, προφανώς χωρίς να καταλαβαίνουμε πόσο κακό τους κάνουμε, οι σύγχρονοι γονείς. Το κομμάτι της Αμερικής, απόδειξη ότι το περίφημο american dream εξακολουθεί ενίοτε να γίνεται πραγματικότητα, είναι εξίσου συγκινητικό με της Ελλάδας, γιατί δείχνει στον αναγνώστη πόσο προσγειωμένος είναι ο Γιάννης Αντετοκούνμπο, και τα αδέλφια του, οι AntentokounBros, πόσο μοναξιά αισθάνθηκε στην αρχή, πόση σημασία δίνει στην οικογένειά του -την οποία ανέλαβε πλέον να φροντίζει μέχρι να βρουν όλοι τον δρόμο τους- και στις αξίες με τις οποίες ανατράφηκε, πόσο απλός παραμένει, πόση αξία συνεχίζει να δίνει στα χρήματα που τόσο στερήθηκε μέχρι τα δεκαοχτώ του χρόνια, αν και πλέον έχει να θρέψει παιδιά, εγγόνια, δισέγγονα και τρισέγγονα. Η ψυχοσύνθεση του Γιάννη τον καθιστά αυστηρό κριτή του εαυτού του και τον βοηθάει να βρίσκει κίνητρο στα λάθη του. Για να νικήσει στους μεγάλους τελικούς του 2021, αν και τεράστιο outsider, έκανε αυτό που γνωρίζει καλύτερα από όλους: αγκάλιασε τις ελλείψεις και τα μειονεκτήματά του και δούλεψε απόλυτα προσηλωμένος στον στόχο του.
Μπράβο στον δημοσιογράφο Νίκο Παπαδογιάννη για τον πρόλογό του για τους περίφημους πρόσφατους τελικούς (για χάρη των οποίων ανέτρεψα εντελώς το πρόγραμμα ύπνου μου, να ‘ναι καλά ο Γιώργος που βλέπαμε παρέα, η ευέλικτη τηλε-εργασία και το γεγονός ότι πλέον δεν έχω πολύ μικρά παιδιά) και για την εξαιρετική μετάφραση, όσο και για τη βοήθεια και την καθοδήγησή του στην Αμερικανίδα συνάδελφο, που έκανε εξαιρετική και κυρίως αντικειμενική έρευνα, αναφορικά με τη ζωή της οικογένειας Αντετοκούνμπο στην Ελλάδα. Η Φέιντερ παρουσιάζει έναν ήρωα πιο ευάλωτο απ’ όσο νομίζουν οι ανυποψίαστοι φίλαθλοι, έναν άνθρωπο που αναδείχθηκε θριαμβευτής απέναντι σε κάθε αντιξοότητα και πρόκληση που παρουσιάστηκε στον δρόμο του: ως γιος, ως πατέρας, ως αδελφός, ως συμπαίκτης, ως κοινωνικό φαινόμενο.
Τον Γιάννη Αντετοκούνμπο, αυτό το λαμπερό πρόσωπο του NBA, το ίνδαλμα εκατομμυρίων παιδιών, δεν τον χωράει το μυαλό μας και θα πω πως δεν μας αξίζει ή μάλλον πως μας ξεπερνά κατά πολύ. Γιάννη, αν κάτι βρίσκεται πάνω από τα αστέρια, θα εκτοξευτείς κι εκεί το δίχως άλλο! Ευχαριστούμε. Ευχαριστούμε και σένα, Θανάση, γιατί αν δεν ήσουν εσύ ο Γιάννης δεν θα είχε φτάσει εδώ που έχει φτάσει. Κώστα (που είσαι, άλλωστε, ο πρώτος Έλληνας πρωταθλητής του NBA) και Άλεξ, έχετε όλο το μέλλον μπροστά σας και είμαστε εδώ να σας χειροκροτήσουμε. Φράνσις ή αλλιώς Ofili, εσύ που δεν γνώρισες το μίσος των Ελλήνων μα μεγάλωσες χωρίς την οικογένειά σου, μας έχεις κάνει να ακούμε ραπ. Βερόνικα, να χαίρεστε τα αγόρια σας και να θυμάστε πάντοτε τον άντρα σας. Μας διδάσκετε καθημερινά ήθος και χρειαζόμαστε ακόμα πολλά μαθήματα. Για το τέλος, μια μεγάλη συγγνώμη και σε εσάς και σε όλους όσοι ζουν στην Ελλάδα αόρατοι ή κυνηγημένοι. Ελπίζω να γίνουμε όλοι άμεσα καλύτεροι άνθρωποι.
Στις επόμενες πολλές σελίδες, έμελλε να συναντήσω δεκάδες αποσπάσματα-γροθιά στο στομάχι, πολλά εκ των οποίων με έκαναν αβίαστα να κλάψω. Όχι μόνο για την οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο και για τα όσα πέρασε. Είναι, άλλωστε, μια παρηγοριά ότι πλέον οι άνθρωποι ζουν πολύ καλά (αν και έχασαν πρόωρα τον pater familias, Τσαρλς -πόσο κρίμα που δεν πρόλαβε να δει τον γιο του στα αστέρια, πόσο κρίμα που δεν μπόρεσε να ��ήσει επιτέλους ξέγνοιαστος). Πόνεσα και έκλαψα και για τόσες άλλες οικογένειες που δεν στάθηκαν τυχερές. Πόνεσα και έκλαψα για το πόσο σκατόψυχοι -επιτρέψτε μου την έκφραση- είναι πολύ συνάνθρωποί μας. Αναρωτήθηκα αν έχουν βρει λαγούμι να κρυφτούν ένα σωρό “Ελληναράδες” που άμεσα ή έμμεσα κατονομάζονται στο βιβλίο και που φέρθηκαν επιεικώς απαράδεκτα σε μια οικογένεια μεταναστών που είχε να θρέψει πέντε αγόρια, τέσσερα στην Ελλάδα (“τέσσερα μαύρα αγόρια σε μια κατάλευκη χώρα”) και ένα που είχε μείνει πίσω στη Νιγηρία. Πώς να νιώθουν, άραγε, σήμερα όσοι τους φώναζαν πιθήκους, όσοι τους πετούσαν μπουκάλια, όσοι τους έβριζαν, όσοι τους απέρριπταν, όσοι τους πέταγαν έξω από σπίτια; Τι έγινε στην Κρήτη; Τι έγινε στα Τρίκαλα; Πολύ φοβάμαι ότι η πλειονότητα αυτών θα έχει να καυχιέται πως κάποτε γνώριζε καλά τον κορυφαίο Έλληνα αθλητή. Και πως μια σημαντική μειοψηφία θα συνεχίζει τον μισανθρωπικό της οχετό, όπου την παίρνει.
Όσες ώρες διάβαζα, προσπαθούσα ταυτόχρονα να σκεφτώ τη δομή αυτού του άρθρου-παρουσίασης του βιβλίου. Τελικά, αποφάσισα πως δεν θα έχει πολύ συγκροτημένη δομή, πως θα είναι μια σειρά από σκέψεις που μου γεννήθηκαν και από αποσπάσματα που με συγκλόνισαν. Σε ποιους, όμως, απευθύνεται το βιβλίο αυτό; Σχεδόν από όλους, είναι η απάντηση. Μπορεί να διαβαστεί από τους γονείς (τμηματικά) σαν παραμύθι στα παιδιά τους, αυτό είναι άλλωστε ένα παραμύθι αληθινό, μπορεί να διαβαστεί αυτούσιο από κάθε άνθρωπο άνω των 9-10 ετών ως μυθιστορηματική βιογραφία, μπορεί να διαβαστεί από λάτρεις του αθλητισμού και δη του μπάσκετ, μπορεί να διαβαστεί ως τεκμήριο από μελετητές της σύγχρονης Ελλάδας και της κοινωνικής της πραγματικότητας. Αυτοί που δεν μπορούν να το διαβάσουν με τίποτα είναι παντός τύπου φασίστες. Αυτοί που δίνουν το παρών σε κάθε σελίδα του, με τον έναν ή με τον άλλον τρόπο, αυτοί που δεν μπορούν να αγκαλιάσουν τα πλάσματα που διαφέρουν από ένα στραβοχυμένο καλούπι που έχουν στο “μυαλό” τους. Αυτοί που πληγώνουν με το μίσος τους. Α, και θα ζορίσει και λίγο όσους βγαίνουν τώρα και πανηγυρίζουν και αποθεώνουν τον Γιάννη και την οικογένειά του, αλλά όσο τους είχαν γείτονες, συμμαθητές, συνταξιδιώτες, συμπατριώτες, γύριζαν αλλού τα μούτρα τους όταν τους συναντούσαν και τους έβαζαν “τρικλοποδιές” όταν μπορούσαν.
Η βραβευμένη ρεπόρτερ και αρθρογράφος Mirin Fader έγραψε το “Γιάννης. Εκτόξευση στα αστέρια” παίρνοντας δεκάδες συνεντεύξεις τόσο από την οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο όσο και από ανθρώπους του περιβάλλοντός τους, αλλά και από πολιτικούς, άλλους Αφροέλληνες ή αθλητές. Έτσι ακολούθησε τα ίχνη της παιδικής ηλικίας, της εφηβείας, της ενηλικίωσης και εν τέλει της δικαίωσης ενός χαρισματικού αθλητή, που ανδρώθηκε σημαδεμένος από ακραία φτώχεια, ρατσισμό και ξενοφοβία. Κατάφερε δε να ενώσει με άριστο τρόπο το υλικό της και να δημιουργήσει ένα γλαφυρό κείμενο, γεμάτο λεπτομέρειες μα καθόλου κουραστικό, που ξεφεύγει κατά πολύ από μια απλή αθλητική βιογραφία. Ιδού, λοιπόν, οι… σημειώσεις που κράτησα για να σας μεταφέρω, χωρίς, όμως, να σας αποκαλύψω πολλά… Αξίζει να βουτήξετε στις σελίδες και να βιώσετε μαζί με τα παιδιά σας τη συντέλεια ενός σύγχρονου θαύματος.
Δεν είναι τυχαίο που ξεκινώ μιλώντας για θαύμα. Η χριστιανική πίστη είχε και έχει κεντρικό ρόλο στην οικογένεια Αντετοκούνμπο και φυσικά τους ενδυνάμωσε, ώστε να αντέξουν και να συνεχίζουν να παλεύουν και να ελπίζουν.
Δεν είχαν πάντοτε τι να φάνε. Κυριολεκτικά. Δεν είχαν κάποτε πού να μείνουν. Κυριολεκτικά. Όσα έζησαν τους έχουν βοηθήσει να παραμείνουν άνθρωποι και να μην αλλάξουν “όσο υπάρχουν στον κόσμο φτωχοί”.
Η εργατικότητα του Γιάννη και όλων των υπολοίπων πηγάζει από τα βιώματά τους. Ήταν μόνο έξι ετών όταν πρωτοβγήκε στο δρόμο να πουλήσει μπιχλιμπίδια με τον Θανάση και τη μαμά τους, τη Βερόνικα. Η μαμά τους πούλησε κάποτε τη βέρα της για να μπορέσει να αγοράσει φαγητό.
Ο Τσαρλς ώθησε τα αγόρια του προς τον αθλητισμό για να μην μπλέξουν με ναρκωτικά. Δοκίμασαν ποδόσφαιρο, πινγκ-πονγκ, στίβο μέχρι που εμφανίστηκε μπροστά τους ως από μηχανής θεός ο Σπύρος Βελληνιάτης. Ένας άνθρωπος, που όπως εξομολογείται, άκουσε τη φωνή του Θεού. Τι του είπε ο Θεός; Θα το μάθετε διαβάζοντας…
Αρχικά, ο Γιάννης απεχθανόταν το μπάσκετ, αλλά αγαπούσε πολύ τον Θανάση και… ακολούθησε τα βήματά του. Συχνά, τα αδέλφια έχαναν τις προπονήσεις στους στον Φιλαθλητικό, γιατί έπρεπε να δουλέψουν. Συχνά εξαφανίζονταν για καιρό. Δεν μπορούσαν να ακολουθήσουν την ομάδα σε αγώνες στην επαρχία όταν μετακινούνταν με αεροπλάνο, γιατί δεν είχαν ούτε ταυτότητα ούτε διαβατήριο.
Τα τέσσερα πιτσιρίκια ήταν αποστεωμένα και πεινούσαν. Οι συμπαίκτες τους προσπαθούσαν να τους εξασφαλίζουν φαγητό. Ζούσαν, φυσικά, στο ίδιο δωμάτιο και άλλαζαν μεταξύ τους ρούχα και παπούτσια. Υπήρξαν φορές που μοιράζονταν ένα σουβλάκι και οι τέσσερις.
Ο Γιάννης και δυο παιδικοί φίλοι του, μετανάστες επίσης, πήγαιναν στα Public για να παίξουν Xbox δωρεάν και μάζευαν ρεφενέ ψιλά να μπουν σε ίντερνετ καφέ να χαζέψουν φάσεις από το NBA. Έτσι έμαθε ο Γιάννης τον Τζούλιους Έρβινγκ, τον Άλεν Άιβερσον και φυσικά τον ΛεΜπρόν, τον μακαρίτη τον Κόμπι και τον Κέβιν Ντουράντ. Και έτσι αποφάσισε, χωρίς να έχει δείξει ακόμα ότι έχει μεγάλες αθλητικές ικανότητες, ότι θα παίξει στο NBA.
Υπήρχαν άνθρωποι που φρόντισαν την οικογένεια, γιατί εκτιμούσαν τη βαθιά καλοσύνη και αξιοπρέπειά τους. Ο δικηγόρος Πέτρος Πρόκος, η ηθοποιός Μαριέττα Σγουρδαίου, που έφερε τα δυο μεγάλα αγόρια για πρώτη φορά σε επαφή με σπουδαία πολιτιστικά έργα, ο -επίσης Αφροέλληνας- μπασκετμπολίστας Σοφοκλής Σχορτσανίτης, ο ιδιοκτήτης μιας καφετέριας στα Σεπόλια, Γιάννης Τζίκας, στον οποίον οι γείτονές του “την έλεγαν” που μιλούσε με τους μαύρους. Μιλάμε τώρα για το 2010-2012, με τη Χρυσή Αυγή να σαρώνει ή μάλλον να θερίζει στα Σεπόλια… Ο Γιάννης φοβόταν τους Χρυσαυγίτες. Φοβόταν, επίσης, ότι μια μέρα θα ξυπνούσε και δεν θα έβρισκε τους γονείς του, ότι η αστυνομία θα τους είχε πάρει σηκωτούς.
Ο Κορνέλ Ντάβιντ, τότε σκάουτερ των Σανς, ήταν ο πρώτος από το NBA που κατάλαβε το 2012 τις προοπτικές του Γιάννη. “Αυτό το παιδί μπορεί να γίνει Μάτζικ Τζόνσον”, έγραψε στις σημειώσεις του. Ο δε Θανάσης, που είχε καταφέρει να υπογράψει με το Μαρούσι στην Α1, φρόντισε χάρη στην ισχυρή του προσωπικότητα να συστήσει τον μικρό αδελφό του σε Έλληνες μάνατζερ. Αν και δεν είχε χαρτιά, γινόταν μια προσπάθεια να τον πάρει η Σαραγόσα. Πριν προλάβει, όμως, να γίνει αυτό, κάπως συνέβη και ένα βίντεό του έφτασε στα χέρια των Μπακς. Κι έτσι, εμφανίστηκαν μεγαλοπαράγοντες και ατζέντηδες του NBA στου Ζωγράφου, στο παλιογήπεδο του ταπεινού Φιλαθλητικού. Για να δουν έναν τύπο “από το πουθενά”. Έναν πιτσιρικά που δεν είχε καν το δικαίωμα να ταξιδέψει εκτός (ή εντός με αεροπλάνο) Ελλάδος. Ο δεκαεπτάχρονος Γιάννης δεν είχε ιδέα για το παρασκήνιο γύρω από το όνομά του, για όλα όσα διαδραματίζονταν στην άλλη όχθη του Ατλαντικού. Εντωμεταξύ, οι προπονητές του στην Ελλάδα άρχισαν να δίνουν μάχη για να αποκτήσει το παιδί χαρτιά…
Αυτός που μεσολάβησε στον τότε πρωθυπουργό Αντώνη Σαμαρά ώστε να βγουν άμεσα τα χαρτιά του Γιάννη ήταν, για πολιτικούς σαφώς λόγους, ο Γιάννης Ιωαννίδης, τότε υπουργός αθλητισμού, ενώ ενεπλάκησαν και ο Γιώργος Βασιλακόπουλος και ο μακαρίτης ο Κώστας Πολίτης. Το παρασκήνιο και τα όσα έλεγαν ορισμένοι από τους σημερινούς αποθεωτές του, θα τα διαβάσετε στο βιβλίο και θα απογοητευτείτε με τα χάλια μας. Η ουσία είναι ότι ο Γιάννης και ο Θανάσης πήραν διαβατήριο (αρχικά μόνο αυτοί, μη χαίρεστε…) και ταξίδεψαν στις ΗΠΑ. Έκτοτε, η μεταμόρφωσή του, σωματική και πνευματική, υπήρξε θεαματική. Ο Γιάννης με το παράξενο επώνυμο επιλέχτηκε στο ντραφτ από τους Μπακς and the rest is history…
Όσα έγραψα μέχρις εδώ είναι αλιευμένα από το μισό περίπου βιβλίο. Το άλλο μισό επικεντρώνεται στη ζωή του μετέφηβου Γιάννη και της οικογένειάς του στις ΗΠΑ, εκεί όπου ο “αράπης από τα Σεπόλια” μεταμορφώθηκε σε Greek Freak, εκεί όπου γνώρισε τη σύντροφο και μητέρα των παιδιών του, εκεί όπου μπόρεσε πια να φροντίζει ασταμάτητα για όλους, εκεί όπου δούλεψε απίστευτα σκληρά, εκεί όπου βίωσε την τεράστια απώλεια του πατέρα του, εκεί όπου έγινε ήρωας εδώ, αναδεικνυόμενος τρις MVP regular season και παίζοντας σε κάμποσα All Star Games, εκεί όπου υπέγραψε πέρυσι ένα εξωφρενικό συμβόλαιο και εκεί όπου έγινε, οχτώ χρόνια μετά το παρθενικό του ταξίδι, πρωταθλητής NBA.
Θα μπορούσα να γράφω ώρες ακόμα, αλλά φτάνει. Νομίζω πως καταλάβατε ότι αυτό το βιβλίο αξίζει να διαβαστεί από όλους μας. Γιατί κυρίως πρέπει να το διαβάσουν τα παιδιά μας, τα συχνά κακομαθημένα, απαιτητικά, τεμπέλικα παιδιά που μεγαλώνουμε, προφανώς χωρίς να καταλαβαίνουμε πόσο κακό τους κάνουμε, οι σύγχρονοι γονείς. Το κομμάτι της Αμερικής, απόδειξη ότι το περίφημο american dream εξακολουθεί ενίοτε να γίνεται πραγματικότητα, είναι εξίσου συγκινητικό με της Ελλάδας, γιατί δείχνει στον αναγνώστη πόσο προσγειωμένος είναι ο Γιάννης Αντετοκούνμπο, και τα αδέλφια του, οι AntentokounBros, πόσο μοναξιά αισθάνθηκε στην αρχή, πόση σημασία δίνει στην οικογένειά του -την οποία ανέλαβε πλέον να φροντίζει μέχρι να βρουν όλοι τον δρόμο τους- και στις αξίες με τις οποίες ανατράφηκε, πόσο απλός παραμένει, πόση αξία συνεχίζει να δίνει στα χρήματα που τόσο στερήθηκε μέχρι τα δεκαοχτώ του χρόνια, αν και πλέον έχει να θρέψει παιδιά, εγγόνια, δισέγγονα και τρισέγγονα. Η ψυχοσύνθεση του Γιάννη τον καθιστά αυστηρό κριτή του εαυτού του και τον βοηθάει να βρίσκει κίνητρο στα λάθη του. Για να νικήσει στους μεγάλους τελικούς του 2021, αν και τεράστιο outsider, έκανε αυτό που γνωρίζει καλύτερα από όλους: αγκάλιασε τις ελλείψεις και τα μειονεκτήματά του και δούλεψε απόλυτα προσηλωμένος στον στόχο του.
Μπράβο στον δημοσιογράφο Νίκο Παπαδογιάννη για τον πρόλογό του για τους περίφημους πρόσφατους τελικούς (για χάρη των οποίων ανέτρεψα εντελώς το πρόγραμμα ύπνου μου, να ‘ναι καλά ο Γιώργος που βλέπαμε παρέα, η ευέλικτη τηλε-εργασία και το γεγονός ότι πλέον δεν έχω πολύ μικρά παιδιά) και για την εξαιρετική μετάφραση, όσο και για τη βοήθεια και την καθοδήγησή του στην Αμερικανίδα συνάδελφο, που έκανε εξαιρετική και κυρίως αντικειμενική έρευνα, αναφορικά με τη ζωή της οικογένειας Αντετοκούνμπο στην Ελλάδα. Η Φέιντερ παρουσιάζει έναν ήρωα πιο ευάλωτο απ’ όσο νομίζουν οι ανυποψίαστοι φίλαθλοι, έναν άνθρωπο που αναδείχθηκε θριαμβευτής απέναντι σε κάθε αντιξοότητα και πρόκληση που παρουσιάστηκε στον δρόμο του: ως γιος, ως πατέρας, ως αδελφός, ως συμπαίκτης, ως κοινωνικό φαινόμενο.
Τον Γιάννη Αντετοκούνμπο, αυτό το λαμπερό πρόσωπο του NBA, το ίνδαλμα εκατομμυρίων παιδιών, δεν τον χωράει το μυαλό μας και θα πω πως δεν μας αξίζει ή μάλλον πως μας ξεπερνά κατά πολύ. Γιάννη, αν κάτι βρίσκεται πάνω από τα αστέρια, θα εκτοξευτείς κι εκεί το δίχως άλλο! Ευχαριστούμε. Ευχαριστούμε και σένα, Θανάση, γιατί αν δεν ήσουν εσύ ο Γιάννης δεν θα είχε φτάσει εδώ που έχει φτάσει. Κώστα (που είσαι, άλλωστε, ο πρώτος Έλληνας πρωταθλητής του NBA) και Άλεξ, έχετε όλο το μέλλον μπροστά σας και είμαστε εδώ να σας χειροκροτήσουμε. Φράνσις ή αλλιώς Ofili, εσύ που δεν γνώρισες το μίσος των Ελλήνων μα μεγάλωσες χωρίς την οικογένειά σου, μας έχεις κάνει να ακούμε ραπ. Βερόνικα, να χαίρεστε τα αγόρια σας και να θυμάστε πάντοτε τον άντρα σας. Μας διδάσκετε καθημερινά ήθος και χρειαζόμαστε ακόμα πολλά μαθήματα. Για το τέλος, μια μεγάλη συγγνώμη και σε εσάς και σε όλους όσοι ζουν στην Ελλάδα αόρατοι ή κυνηγημένοι. Ελπίζω να γίνουμε όλοι άμεσα καλύτεροι άνθρωποι.
February 15, 2025
The Antetokounmpo family left Nigeria in order for the father to pursue a career in soccer. A life altering injury destroyed those dreams and left the family as poor immigrants in a racist country. Food, shelter, clothes and shoes were barely, but the family persevered. In order to help his family, they accepted an offer of 500 euros, and Giannis along with brother Thanasis, began playing basketball. They were so poor, friends, teammates, coaches and certain members of the community would give Giannis and his brothers food to eat. His older brother Thanasis would play his game first, then turn around and hand Giannis the same pair of sneakers, to play his game (along with two pair of socks). Thru it all, the family kept smiling.
A student of the game, Giannis and his brothers would go to the internet cafe and study YouTube videos of Allen Iverson, followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He was determined to play in the NBA.
To date, this is one of the best biographies that I've ever read. The brothers are each other's biggest supporters. Older brother Kira’s is Giannis' best cheerleader from the sidelines, although he should be playing more (in my opinion)… not sitting down ONCE. They all believe the youngest brother Alex, is going to be the best athlete yet.
This is why I will continue to sing praises for this young man! Go Bucks!!
A student of the game, Giannis and his brothers would go to the internet cafe and study YouTube videos of Allen Iverson, followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He was determined to play in the NBA.
To date, this is one of the best biographies that I've ever read. The brothers are each other's biggest supporters. Older brother Kira’s is Giannis' best cheerleader from the sidelines, although he should be playing more (in my opinion)… not sitting down ONCE. They all believe the youngest brother Alex, is going to be the best athlete yet.
This is why I will continue to sing praises for this young man! Go Bucks!!
January 9, 2022
The author is an excellent writer and storyteller. The author is also obsessed with race to a degree that turns overbearing - forcing it into the story everywhere possible, making parts of the story more a lecture on the author's personal agenda than a story about Giannis. I say that, not to deny the obvious place of racial issues in the life of Giannis, but to note that the author works hard to draw racial issues out beyond that in an unnatural and outsized way, to the point where it feels like the author leaves telling the story of Giannis behind, and instead uses Giannis as a means to establish the author's own preferred narrative. That lack of proportion is disappointing, because the story of Giannis is imminently compelling, and the book is otherwise a natural page turner.
Also, what is it with contemporary authors who seem to think that foul language is a necessary component of good writing? It is not.
Also, what is it with contemporary authors who seem to think that foul language is a necessary component of good writing? It is not.
August 18, 2021
Provided some great insight into Giannis's life. A bit repetitive. not bad.
December 12, 2024
Coming from someone who has never looked too far into the story of Giannis, this book made me have a very different outlook on him. I knew he didn't come from much, but nothing like what this book tell us. To be able to hear the story from him and his family and to feel the emotions they were feeling growing up was special. I also think encapturing what it was like to be an NBA player during COVID and going through Kobe's death was a good addition to the book, and went over a lot of things most don't consider. It's not often you get to hear about what happens behind the media. It's not often you get to hear about what happens in the locker room, during practice, etc. Coming from an NBA fan this book was pretty good. Not great. Here's why:
This book is split into two parts. There's the half that shows Giannis' trip to the NBA and how he made it there and how it was to adjust to America as a Greek-Nigerian immigrant. Everything up to this point is a 5 star in my eyes. The second half however, encaptures details about all his playoff runs. The Bucks were progressively getting better and the author was pretty clearly pointing towards the obvious outcome. That being the 2021 championship (the book was published in 2022). That's not the case. Despite writing about all his playoff runs, writing about all his MVPs which is even mentioned in the book that he doesn't care about ("Don't call me an MVP until I've won a championship" or something along those lines). As a reader, you're led to believe that this is where the book is going to take you. Nope. After that speech about how MVPs don't matter the book just.... ends. Sooo this whole journey we read about.... it doesn't matter to Giannis? We don't get to read about what it's like to be a champion? What he had to go through in the finals? That's my biggest gripe about the book. If you're not a huge basketball fan, I think you'll love this book. It's got good writing, it talks a lot about the racism and fascism seen in Greece which was eye-opening, and overall a good read. But as a basketball fan, I'd be lying if I said I felt a little hollow with the ending, as I would've loved to have read about the finals experience and what changed in his mindset to get him there. Note: some of the writing can be slightly confusing but maybe that's just me. At times I felt unsure as to what time of Giannis' life the author was referring to as it wasn't always concise. Just a small complaint though. Also, I'm aware that the book was finished during the finals, but I don't think that takes away from the fact that it was missing that final piece of closure that we all wanted.
This book is split into two parts. There's the half that shows Giannis' trip to the NBA and how he made it there and how it was to adjust to America as a Greek-Nigerian immigrant. Everything up to this point is a 5 star in my eyes. The second half however, encaptures details about all his playoff runs. The Bucks were progressively getting better and the author was pretty clearly pointing towards the obvious outcome. That being the 2021 championship (the book was published in 2022). That's not the case. Despite writing about all his playoff runs, writing about all his MVPs which is even mentioned in the book that he doesn't care about ("Don't call me an MVP until I've won a championship" or something along those lines). As a reader, you're led to believe that this is where the book is going to take you. Nope. After that speech about how MVPs don't matter the book just.... ends. Sooo this whole journey we read about.... it doesn't matter to Giannis? We don't get to read about what it's like to be a champion? What he had to go through in the finals? That's my biggest gripe about the book. If you're not a huge basketball fan, I think you'll love this book. It's got good writing, it talks a lot about the racism and fascism seen in Greece which was eye-opening, and overall a good read. But as a basketball fan, I'd be lying if I said I felt a little hollow with the ending, as I would've loved to have read about the finals experience and what changed in his mindset to get him there. Note: some of the writing can be slightly confusing but maybe that's just me. At times I felt unsure as to what time of Giannis' life the author was referring to as it wasn't always concise. Just a small complaint though. Also, I'm aware that the book was finished during the finals, but I don't think that takes away from the fact that it was missing that final piece of closure that we all wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Listen, I'm a Wisconsin girl, and one of my greatest beliefs is that Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in the country (yes, I'm biased). This very well could have influenced my rating and enjoyment of this book - but I think anyone would be amazed reading about Giannis's journey and the man who he has become.
Fader takes us back to Giannis's childhood in the Sepolia district of Athens, Greece, where he literally would sell sunglasses and other trinkets on the street in order to help feed his family for the day. He often went without food or shared what little he had to ensure his family members were eating. We quickly learn that nothing is as important to Giannis as family is. Fader follows Giannis through his basketball career - starting with his introduction to the sport at 13, all the way to being drafted by the Bucks as a scrawny, malnourished 18-year-old.
We revisit stories of Giannis's start in the NBA we've heard a million times - like his first taste of a smoothie or the time he was picked up by a random couple worried that he would freeze as he walked to a game in a hoodie in frigid temperatures - as well as stories I'd never heard before. I saw Giannis as a big, funny, innocent kid (which he is, sometimes), but this book painted him in a new light: someone serious and determined to make a better life not just for himself, but for his family.
This book is about more than Giannis, too. Fader covers racism and far-right movements, both in Greece and the US. She covers the good and the bad of Milwaukee: we hear about what Giannis loves (the small town feel, the peacefulness, the people) and we also hear about its problems (the eviction rate, especially of black women; being the most segregated city in the country; racial profiling and police brutality). Fader also covered grief and loss: Giannis famously lost his father in 2017.
As a passive basketball fan, there were times the book got a bit heavy into basketball talk... but being that this book is about a famous NBA star, I can't really complain about that. Overall, I highly recommend this one. Whether you're a basketball fan or not, Giannis's story is a beautiful one that's still only just beginning.
Listen, I'm a Wisconsin girl, and one of my greatest beliefs is that Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in the country (yes, I'm biased). This very well could have influenced my rating and enjoyment of this book - but I think anyone would be amazed reading about Giannis's journey and the man who he has become.
Fader takes us back to Giannis's childhood in the Sepolia district of Athens, Greece, where he literally would sell sunglasses and other trinkets on the street in order to help feed his family for the day. He often went without food or shared what little he had to ensure his family members were eating. We quickly learn that nothing is as important to Giannis as family is. Fader follows Giannis through his basketball career - starting with his introduction to the sport at 13, all the way to being drafted by the Bucks as a scrawny, malnourished 18-year-old.
We revisit stories of Giannis's start in the NBA we've heard a million times - like his first taste of a smoothie or the time he was picked up by a random couple worried that he would freeze as he walked to a game in a hoodie in frigid temperatures - as well as stories I'd never heard before. I saw Giannis as a big, funny, innocent kid (which he is, sometimes), but this book painted him in a new light: someone serious and determined to make a better life not just for himself, but for his family.
This book is about more than Giannis, too. Fader covers racism and far-right movements, both in Greece and the US. She covers the good and the bad of Milwaukee: we hear about what Giannis loves (the small town feel, the peacefulness, the people) and we also hear about its problems (the eviction rate, especially of black women; being the most segregated city in the country; racial profiling and police brutality). Fader also covered grief and loss: Giannis famously lost his father in 2017.
As a passive basketball fan, there were times the book got a bit heavy into basketball talk... but being that this book is about a famous NBA star, I can't really complain about that. Overall, I highly recommend this one. Whether you're a basketball fan or not, Giannis's story is a beautiful one that's still only just beginning.
February 16, 2022
If you are a basketball, Milwaukee Bucks, or Giannis Antetokounmpo fan, this book is a must read.
An incredible story of hard work, sacrifice, family, and humbleness, this biography showcases Giannis's rise to the top from starting at an incredible low. You read about how Giannis and his brother shared shoes while growing up (even though Giannis's feet were MUCH smaller) because of their family's financial situation. Fast forward to him at 24 years old, where he has his own signature Nike shoe. The book also shows Giannis' dedication to his family, like when he didn't have enough money to buy a winter coat in Milwaukee because he sent most of his money to his family back in Greece.
The book is filled with examples and stories of his determination and commitment to his family and a better life for them. Not only is Giannis "the savior the Bucks have been waiting for," but he is an incredibly generous and humble man. His journey is inspiring.
Erica P. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
An incredible story of hard work, sacrifice, family, and humbleness, this biography showcases Giannis's rise to the top from starting at an incredible low. You read about how Giannis and his brother shared shoes while growing up (even though Giannis's feet were MUCH smaller) because of their family's financial situation. Fast forward to him at 24 years old, where he has his own signature Nike shoe. The book also shows Giannis' dedication to his family, like when he didn't have enough money to buy a winter coat in Milwaukee because he sent most of his money to his family back in Greece.
The book is filled with examples and stories of his determination and commitment to his family and a better life for them. Not only is Giannis "the savior the Bucks have been waiting for," but he is an incredibly generous and humble man. His journey is inspiring.
Erica P. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
January 29, 2022
To my knowledge, this is the most in-depth telling of Giannis's story out there. The anecdotes and tales from his childhood in Sepolia and rise to the NBA are riveting. I appreciate that you don't necessarily have to know anything about basketball or the Bucks to get the most out of reading this book. It's a very easy read about someone whose story is worth telling. As someone who rides and dies with Milwaukee and has loved Giannis, both on and off the court, for years, it deeply resonated with me and makes me appreciate him, our team, and our city that much more. The only thing, and this certainly isn't Mirin Fader's fault, is that it was finished /just/ before the Bucks won their first NBA title since 1971 this past July, and UGH how I would have loved to get more in-depth stories from that time. Highly recommend, even for people who are more particular to human interest stories than sports stories!!
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