Giannis Antetokounmpo prefers watching EuroLeague action over NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Antetokounpo expresses a preference for watching EuroLeague highlights over NBA games: "I don't watch the NBA, but I do watch the EuroLeague."

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, Vangelis Stolis Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, Vangelis Stolis

In recent years, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has emerged as a prominent advocate for EuroLeague basketball in the U.S. Last year, he revealed his preference for watching more EuroLeague than NBA games.

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Another European great, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, is joining the ranks of EuroLeague promoters. In a conversation with Amerikanos 24, the Bucks leader revealed his respect for EuroLeague competition.

"I watch both Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. I don't watch all the games but the highlights. I wish both of the teams the best. ... I watch [them play], but I'm not watching full games. I only see the highlights. I like it a lot. I don't watch the NBA, but I do watch the EuroLeague," Giannis mentioned.

His connection to European basketball extends to the Greek national team, which is going to fight for a spot in the Paris Olympics. Giannis expressed his desire to participate in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in his hometown of Athens.

"I'd love to play in the Olympics," Greek Freek stressed. "But it's still far away. It's 4-5 months from now. I won't lie to you -- I don't have the Olympics in my mind right now, and I don't think about it. But when that moment comes, I'd very much like to do well in the pre-Olympics and hopefully get a qualification for the main event.

"Eight years ago, in 2016, we had a chance to qualify for the [Rio] Olympics when we played against Croatia but lost. This was the closest I've been to the Olympics. It's every athlete's dream to be in the Olympic Village, to be able to wear the national emblem, be out there with their teammates, and try to do the best for their team."

Why Luka Doncic loves watching EuroLeague over NBA:

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