Greece enters EuroBasket 2025 with high hopes for ending a 16-year medal drought, and much of the nation’s ambition centers on the performance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The expectations are clear: Greece is aiming for a podium finish, and Giannis is expected to deliver extraordinary statistics and iconic moments worthy of his NBA superstar status.
Greece’s Medal Expectations
Greece has not won a EuroBasket medal since 2009 but with Giannis at the helm and a roster that blends experienced leaders like Kostas Sloukas with promising talent, the team is considered a dark horse with legitimate medal ambitions. They face tough group-stage opponents, including Spain and Italy, yet pre-tournament friendlies have shown strong performances against quality teams, and the fanbase is energized for a breakthrough.
Group Draw and Knockout Prospects
Greece competes in Group B against Spain, Italy, Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Cyprus, with the top four teams progressing to the knockout stage. The path to a medal demands not just advancing from the group but also overcoming European giants in the elimination rounds. Greece’s experience, defensive tenacity, and the inspiration drawn from Giannis serve as crucial factors. Can Giannis rise to the occasion or will he be content to simply make personal stats like he did with the Bucks this season?
Statistical Expectations for Giannis
Giannis is anticipated to lead all scorers at EuroBasket 2025, with projections that he may need to average at least 25 points per game for Greece to contend for a medal. FIBA rules generally reduce stat lines compared to the NBA, but Giannis’s role as primary scorer, rebounder, and playmaker should result in eye-catching numbers. The bar for Giannis is set at:
- Scoring: 25+ points per game—potentially the highest in the tournament
- Rebounds: 10+ per game, leveraging his athleticism and defensive skill
- Assists: 6+ per game, given Greece’s increased transition play under coach Spanoulis
Additionally, Giannis is expected to deliver a defining performance. Something like a 30+ point, double-digit rebound showcase against a major rival like Spain or Italy could become the tournament’s iconic highlight. Giannis needs this in order to preserve the narrative that he is fantastic and it is only his lack of good team mates that keeps him from success.
We do NOT expect Giannis to shoot 3pt at all. In the NBA this season he shot them much less and it was still his worse year ever and one of the worse single 3pt % in the history of the NBA. Same with free throws. His worse career year in the NBA. In many respects Giannis is past his prime. He will really need to focus and hope that Euro2025 opponents are more concerned to stay healthy and avoid injury as he gallops towards them like Porzingis did in the friendly game they recently played.
Iconic Performance and Leadership
Tournaments are marked by unforgettable moments, and fans and analysts expect Giannis to provide the emotional and athletic centrepiece of EuroBasket 2025. His leadership during clutch possessions, ability to shine in transition, and capacity to break defensive schemes will be pivotal.
Will Giannis reach these goals?
The Greek national team will rely on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s elite production and leadership to push for a medal at EuroBasket 2025. From statistical dominance (25+ points, 10+ rebounds per game) to a defining tournament moment, the expectations are both high and inspiring for Greek basketball. Greece not making it to the top 4 of the tournament will clearly be an indictment on Giannis and possibly a good reason for him not to return to the Greek national team again. After so many years with no results this could be the final opportunity.
Select relevant sources to this article:
- https://basketnews.com/news-228600-greece-eurobasket-2025-roster-schedule-and-scores.html
- https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/03/28/greece-draw-eurobasket-2025/
- https://sports.yahoo.com/article/3-giannis-antetokounmpo-bold-predictions-124051531.html
- https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/greek-national-basketball-team-touches-down-in-cyprus-ahead-of-eurobasket-2025
- https://basketnews.com/news-229916-greece-vs-france-live-eurobasket.html
- https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/teams/49–greece/
- https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-eurobasket-2025-qualifiers/teams/greece
- https://www.nba.com/news/the-athletic-eurobasket-2025-groups-expectations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece_national_football_team
- https://basketnews.com/news-229678-tyler-dorsey-breaks-down-eurobasket-stars-hopes-to-end-greeces-medal-drought.html
Featured image from here https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-eurobasket-2025-qualifiers/news/locked-in-giannis-confirms-plans-for-fiba-eurobasket-2025
