Giannis Antetokounmpo has one of the NBA’s best stories, and Nike is ready to tell it to the world.
The Greek Freak is featured in a new Nike ad that recounts his long journey from son of Nigerian immigrants in Greece to NBA superstar with the Milwaukee Bucks. The ad includes the tag line “Come out of nowhere,” a reference to the fact that Antetokounmpo had never touched a basketball until 2007.
The commercial plays into his last name being a bit, well, confusing for those who aren’t familiar with The Greek Freak. It starts with a few announcers attempting to say “Antetokounmpo,” then he and his brother, Thanasis, each say it with ease.
“I wanna be the guy that works hard for everything he’s earned,” Giannis says. “Eventually everybody’s gonna know my name.”
It also includes audio from Bucks GM John Hammond, who said Giannis has the potential to be one of the game’s best.
“I had no idea if we’d be able to draft him,” Hammond says. “He’s just scratching the surface of who he can be someday. The best player in the world.”
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have to wait until Thursday to try making a name for themselves this postseason. They’ll have to rebound from Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors putting a dagger in them in a Game Two win that evened the series at one. Either way, I think NBA fans will be seeing a lot more of Giannis. They better get used to pronouncing his last name.
