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$70 million Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals hardships he and his brothers faced including not eating more than one meal per day

Arjun Julka
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$70 million Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals hardships he and his brothers faced including not eating more than one meal per day

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo faced a lot of hardships before making it big in the NBA, revealing how he would have one meal a day. 

A generational talent, Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the biggest names in the sports world today. At mere 27 years of age, the Greek Freak has cemented his position among the all-time power forwards. Many call the Bucks MVP one of Greece’s best exports to the United States of America.

Giannis didn’t have it easy growing up in Athens, Greece, with his parents struggling to meet ends. The Bucks superstar is the middle born of the five Antetokounmpo brothers. The former DPOY and his older brother Thanasis would sell watches, handbags, and sunglasses as hawkers on the street.

However, God had something special planned for the 6ft 11′ forward. The Greek Freak established himself as one of the most dominating players, inspiring his brothers to follow suit. Giannis and his brothers, Thanasis and Kostas, became the first trio of brothers to win NBA championships.

Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo gets jumped by Italian coach Gianmarco Pozzecco after Nikola Jokic’s elimination

Recently, the 2021 Finals MVP shared an emotional story during his tough times, which involved him being able to afford only one meal a day.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals having one meal a day at 11 pm growing up in Greece.

Currently, on a 5-year $228M deal with the Bucks, Giannis hasn’t forgotten his roots. The two-time MVP’s simplicity continues to win hearts everywhere, whether it’s him trying Oreos and milk or smoothies. The six-time All-Star is one of the most approachable superstars in the NBA.

Boasting a $70 million net worth, Giannis can afford all the luxuries today. However, this wasn’t the case while growing up in Greece. The youngest player on the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team at one time couldn’t afford to have more than one meal a day.

Surprisingly, even after making his NBA debut, Giannis would only eat 1/4 of his food. The Bucks superstar stated.

“I was raised that if my (four) brothers don’t eat, I don’t eat.”

The Antetokounmpo brothers’ journey has been well documented in the recently released movie Rise, giving us an insight into their struggles and achievements.

Also read: Shaquille O’Neal, despite his ‘hatred for modern bigs, fawned over Giannis Antetokounmpo as his ‘next heir’

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

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Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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