Why will Giannis Antetokounmpo not be allowed to don #34 jersey for Greece? FIBA kit rules and more explored
The 2024 Paris Olympics is right around the corner and Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece are joining the prestigious international event. They got past Slovenia and Croatia to punch their ticket to Paris and it meant a lot for the Milwaukee Bucks star.
However, he won't be allowed to wear his iconic number #34 while playing for his nation. Certain FIBA kit rules prohibit him from donning the number that means a lot more to him than just a number on a jersey.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo can't wear the #34 jersey for Greece?
According to rules set by FIBA, the Milwaukee Bucks star player can only wear a number between 4 and 15. This rule falls in the same category as every other international competition the FIBA committee administers.
The number 34 holds significant importance for the Bucks star. Not everyone knows but Giannis is a big family man and the number 34 has a lot to do with it. The number honors his parents who have been the reason for his success.
In an interaction with the media in 2021, the Bucks star said his parents were born in 1963 and 1964 and the number 34 comes from the last digits of their birth years. Giannis' brother, Thanasis, who also plays for the Bucks, wears the number 43 for the same reason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tears up on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics
Giannis Antetokounmpo was seen tearing up after Greece defeated Croatia to punch their tickets to the Paris Olympics. The official account of FIBA on X posted a video of the Bucks star holding back his tears.
His tears are certainly understandable. Antetokounmpo has expressed his desire in the past to win major accolades with his national team.
"I have played for 10 years now with the Bucks, but the national team jersey is different. You may wake up with bigger anxiety but you know you can give joy to millions. I never felt so much love in my life from all over the world who engaged with the national team and followed us everywhere we went," Giannis said (via Eurobasket).
Now that 'The Greek Freak' has the opportunity to win something for his nation, he must make the most of it.