[Review] - Giannis Antetokounmpo Biography

Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, Giannis Antetokounmpo (24845003687) (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0

It's become a trend for a biography to be written when someone is still in the midst of their career, especially in sport. People often argue that their story is yet to be written, they're jumping the gun. However, when the subject matter is a person who is nothing short of remarkable, then it's likely that there will be a need for more than one revision, and that's certainly the case with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis: The Improbably Rise of an NBA MVP, written by Mirin Fader, charts the story so far of the young man who was born the son of Nigerian illegal immigrants living in Greece to one of the most talented sports stars on the planet. What’s immediately striking within the early chapters is that Fader clearly understands the nuances of the game after being a player herself during her time at college, and writes in such an impassioned way.

The book paints a vivid story of a young man who aims to rise above racism, adversity, casting aside people’s preconceptions of him and his family to emerge victoriously, but above all, stay humble and respectful. It almost reads like a blockbuster movie in part, some may say it seems a little unbelievable, but as this is a recollection of true-to-life experience it just makes it even more compelling. The way in which Fader depicts Giannis’ childhood, in what can only be described as a very tough upbringing on the streets of Athens, is a perfect example of this as there’s such an attention to detail. It creates a gritty atmosphere, which throws you deep into the dusty backstreets of Greece.

Away from the streets, through sport, Giannis showed a prowess beyond that of his peers, using his growing frame to his advantage, excelling at basketball. However, his route to potential success hit a roadblock, as his immigrant status proved to be an obstacle eliminating his chances to sign for the biggest clubs in the country. But, whilst he’s moved on to pastures new, his legacy lives on as it’s abundantly clear how much of an inspiration Giannis has become since leaving his former home, highlighting the struggles still being experienced by immigrants in Europe.

Fast forward to today and as any sports fan knows, the once nervous, reserved young man flourished under the pressure of the cameras. Rising to a level which many may have thought impossible while he fiercely held onto his humble, family-oriented roots. Giannis is now a 5-time NBA All-Star, he's been the league's most valuable player twice, and in 2021 he led the Bucks to victory in the NBA finals as they blew past the Phoenix Suns. But if winning wasn't enough, CBS reported he was the youngest recipient of the NBA finals MVP award in seven years. Giannis could yet add to his impressive collection of accolades and maybe write the sequel to this biography; the Bucks are ranked third favorites to take the 2021/22 NBA Championship in the latest betting odds with Ladbrokes. They're looking very likely to head into the postseason as the 27-year-old continues to put in game-winning performances. His 33-point game against Orlando Magic on the final day of 2021 highlights his star is far from fading, and there is so much more to come.

One of the biggest players in the NBA, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets thinks so too, as he says there is no ceiling to the potential of the Greek star. With Durant being one of the best the NBA has ever been seen, it's high praise indeed, so it means we may well see a second installment of the Giannis story, and it'll no doubt be just as compelling as the first.

But before that comes, we recommend you put this on your list of Winter Reads, it's a book that really gives a fascinating insight into the world of a global superstar, his humble beginnings, and how he’s flourished into a young man who his parents and his countrymen and women can truly be proud of.