Itoudis talks Giannis Antetokounmpo's status, Greece's basketball style / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains unavailable for Greece, as the team has already completed one week of preparation ahead of the World Cup. Coach Dimitris Itoudis explained why he decided to wait on the 2-time NBA MVP for as much as possible.

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As Greece have completed one week of training camp and prepare for the two friendly games against Slovenia on Wednesday (Ljubljana) and Friday (Athens), coach Dimitris Itoudis is still waiting to see whetherGiannis Antetokounmpo will be able to help the squad.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Position:PFAge:28Height:211 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Athens, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

The NBA star, who was included in the preliminary roster, had a cleanup in his left knee some weeks ago, which left many doubts hanging over his availability. For the time being, the two-time NBA MVP remains out of the team's practice sessions and is considered highly doubtful for the upcoming World Cup.

Itoudis was asked about Giannis' status during Greece's media day on Monday morning. The Greek specialist was unable to provide a timeline for the Greek Freak's return nor could he specify when the final decision regarding his availability will be made.

"The question should be addressed more to our doctors and the Bucks doctors," he responded.

"My information is that Giannis is making an effort. His status is being reviewed and soon we will have a final decision on whether he'll make it or not. We're talking about the best player in the world, he has proven that many times," he continued.

"So, I think it's worth waiting for him. At the same time, as a coach and as a basketball professional, I understand the question whether we should wait for Giannis. But the waiting is justified. Whether we will know before or after Slovenia, that's still up in the air."

Referring to a roster that, apart from Giannis, will not include veteran guards Kostas Sloukas and Nick Calathes, Itoudis admitted that the thought was running through his mind three days before training camp.

"Let's figure out what kind of basketball we're going to play," he said. "We made some attempts to talk some players into participating, but they had a clear stance because they can't be with us."

Itoudis also defined Greece's basketball identity.

"We'll try to give our best on defense, force turnovers and show consistency, since several of the athletes who will be in the final roster haven't played with each other. Some players from Panathinaikos and Olympiacos have been on the same team before -- and that's important," he commented.

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