Antetokounpo lists discipline, hard work as key to success

Thanasis Antetokuonpo (right) during an exhibition game with students of Greensprings School, Lagos…recently.

Greek/Nigerian basketball star, Thanasis Antetokounpo, has told budding players that they have to be dedicated, disciplined and hard working if they desired to reach the top.

Antetokounpo was in Nigeria recently for a basketball clinic at the Greensprings School, which the school organised in collaboration with Flour Mills of Nigeria.

The event, aimed at celebrating basketball and empowering young minds in Nigerian secondary schools through the positive influence of sports, commenced with an enlightening session, where Thanasis shared his journey and development as a basketball player. He emphasised the importance of discipline, hard work, and sacrifice in achieving success in the game of basketball.

Encouraging the students, he said, “It’s not just about the drills; it’s about your body. Once you begin to play, you must be disciplined and ready to make sacrifices.”

The students eagerly participated in a Q&A session with the NBA star, asking thought-provoking questions about his remarkable journey in basketball.

Following the interactive session, Antetokounpo joined the kids on the courts, engaging in skill-building drills and friendly games. The exceptional players were given opportunity to challenge him one-on-one in both offence and defence.

Reflecting on his experience, the NBA star, who was making his first-ever visit to Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Greensprings School for hosting him and praised the exceptional facilities of the school.

He said: “Thank you for opening your home to me. I had an amazing time with the kids, and I am very motivated to continue doing this. “

My main purpose for coming here was to