Eric Woodyard, ESPNMay 21, 2020, 03:26 PM ET
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See AlsoPepper GayheartBette and Dot TattlerTop 10 Freak Show Acts Of All Time - Toptenz.netFreaks – Story- Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted, Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard
Coming to America from Greece as a teenager was not always the smoothest transition for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Before "Giannis" became a household name, those who couldn't pronounce his last name often called the NBA's reigning MVP the "Greek Freak," because of his rare, freakish athletic ability and ballhandling skills for someone 6-foot-11.
But as popular as the nickname has become, Antetokounmpo can't recall the first person to use it.
"First of all, the nickname is really good. I like it," Antetokounmpo said during his Thursday morning appearance on Capture Sports Marketing's Athletes Doing Good Radiothon with his teammate Pat Connaughton on ESPN Wisconsin.
"I don't remember the first time I heard about it -- it was probably my rookie year -- but I really don't know who came up with it," he said. "I just went on the court one day and I had like a crazy dunk or a crazy block and after that everyone started calling me the Greek Freak. So it stuck by me, I love it and it's a cool nickname."
Although Antetokounmpo has embraced the on-court moniker, he acknowledges that there's difference between his basketball perception and his laid-back personal lifestyle. As a father to his newborn son, Liam, Antetokounmpo has learned how to turn it on and off. But that took time, and he leaned on veteran players to help him during the process.
"The most important thing is you cannot lose yourself in it. There's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of things that are going to try to pull you from 'come this way, do this.' For example, this event with Nike, or tomorrow you've got to do this event with T-Mobile," Antetokounmpo told Connaughton. "Like, there's so many things that you're going to have in front of you that you've got to do, but you've just got to be able to balance your personal life with the Greek Freak life. Giannis and the Greek Freak are two different people. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant -- I'm not trying to sound arrogant -- but that's how I'm trying to think. I'm trying to think when I'm with my family, I'm with my family. Sometimes when you're the MVP, you're the leader of the team, you've got to do a photo shoot and all that, you lose yourself, and whenever I'm with my family, I'm myself."
Bucks general manager Jon Horst was another guest on Connaughton's radiothon to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. He reiterated that no decisions have been made on the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season. On May 11, Horst announced the reopening of the Bucks' practice facility on a limited basis. Throughout the hiatus, Milwaukee has continued to operate as if the organization will continue to play. The team is nursing the NBA's best record (53-12), and the Greek Freak is itching to return to the court.
"I have complete confidence that if there's a way for us to return to basketball, return to play, in a healthy and safe manner, for our players and for the public and people that would be involved, that our league will figure out how to do it," Horst said. "Commissioner Silver is incredible."
I'm an enthusiast and expert in the realm of sports journalism and NBA coverage. My knowledge extends across various basketball-related topics, including player profiles, team dynamics, and the intricacies of the NBA season. Allow me to delve into the concepts presented in the article by Eric Woodyard about Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Nickname - "Greek Freak": The article sheds light on the origin of Giannis Antetokounmpo's popular nickname, "Greek Freak." As someone deeply immersed in NBA culture, I can attest to the significance of this moniker and its association with Giannis's extraordinary athleticism and ballhandling skills. The nickname gained traction during his rookie year, likely after a standout performance featuring a memorable dunk or block. While the exact originator remains unknown, the nickname has become synonymous with Giannis's on-court prowess.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Antetokounmpo's discussion about balancing his personal and professional life provides insights into the challenges faced by high-profile athletes. Drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate on the common struggles athletes encounter when managing the demands of their careers and personal lives. Giannis emphasizes the importance of not losing oneself amidst the pressures and commitments associated with being a basketball superstar. This struggle is a recurring theme for athletes, and the article highlights Giannis's approach to maintaining a distinction between his on-court persona ("Greek Freak") and his personal life as Giannis.
Parenting and Mentorship: Giannis Antetokounmpo's role as a father and his reliance on veteran players for guidance underscore the human side of professional athletes. I can speak to the broader narrative of athletes evolving into parents and the mentorship relationships that develop within sports teams. Giannis's comments about learning to switch between roles and seeking advice from experienced players provide a glimpse into the challenges and growth experienced by athletes as they navigate parenthood alongside their careers.
NBA Season and COVID-19 Impact: The article briefly touches on the uncertainty surrounding the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. With my comprehensive knowledge of NBA operations and current events up to my last update in January 2022, I can expand on the broader challenges faced by the league and teams in deciding how to proceed during the pandemic. Bucks general manager Jon Horst's statement regarding the team's cautious approach and commitment to a safe return to play reflects the complex decision-making process undertaken by NBA officials.
In conclusion, my expertise in sports journalism and NBA coverage allows me to provide a nuanced and informed perspective on the concepts discussed in Eric Woodyard's article about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
