While many in Milwaukee are still learning how to spell and pronounce Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 18-year-old is the toast of his home country.
Antetokounmpo met with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and other dignitaries to celebrate becoming the highest NBA Draft pick in the history of Greece.
Picked 15th overall by the Bucks in the June 27th draft, Antetokounmpo presented the prime minister with a signed Bucks hat, while he received an icon from the prime minister.
"I want to thank you for honoring our national colors," Samaras told Antetokounmpo, according to the Greek Reporter. "I want to thank you and tell you that it is very moving that all the Greek people have seen how you have struggled since you were a little child to help your brothers and you have become an example for many people. I want to tell you with great emotion one more thing: To speak out, the way I feel it: I hope you drive them all crazy with your dunks in America.
"Be good, be strong. You make us very happy and thank you for the hat. We will be watching you. I would like you to know that this is a day of joy for us to see you and the whole Greece is very excited with you. We thank you for raising the flag there with your brother. You showed them a bit of Greece."
Culture and Sports Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos and Deputy Minister for Sports Yiannis Andrianos were present during the meeting at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
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