GIANNIS Antetokounmpo begged off from Greece's campaign in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup on Friday, saying it wasn't a 'personal choice but my only option.
The former NBA MVP out of the Milwaukee Bucks underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee weeks ago and despite rehab work it was "clear that I am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup."
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"After months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that i am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup," Giannis said in a statement posted on his Instagram account.
His decision leaves the World Cup with one less star when it opens on August 25 with a Gilas Pilipinas game against the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena.
Greece will be playing its group stage games at the Mall of Asia Arena after being bracketed in Group C with Team USA, Lebanon, and New Zealand.
His statement in full:
Everyone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change. Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set.
But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that i am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup. This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff. I’m going to continue to push myself to be ready for the next time my name is called. My personal, and our ultimate team goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics games and it will be an honor to represent my National Team next year.
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