Rise

Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo left Nigeria in 1990 seeking a better life in Greece. They were forced to leave their eldest son Francis behind because they could not obtain visas due to the political climate at the time. Without proper documentation, the family had to hide in Greece while trying to build a new life.

The family hellenized their Yoruba surname to Antetokounmpo during immigration processing in Turkey after escaping refugee round-ups. This change helped them blend into the Greek system and avoid detection as undocumented immigrants, making it easier to survive in their new country.

Earlier scenes show the family hiding from authorities, setting up the need for a new identity.

Thanasis received a college basketball offer, but it was revoked when officials scrutinized his family's immigration history. Because the family lacked proper citizenship documentation, the offer was pulled back, demonstrating how their undocumented status blocked opportunities that their talent would normally have secured.

Paco offered the brothers money, immediate citizenship, and quick acceptance to recruit them, but Haris Eleftheriou refused to let them sell their future for a quick payoff. The Antetokounmpos chose to stay with Haris's plan, which prioritized a legitimate path rather than taking a shortcut that could have compromised their integrity and long-term future.

A Spanish league team was willing to sign Giannis and grant him citizenship, which would have extended recognition to his family. However, the team wouldn't actually sign him but would grant him eligibility to try out for the 2013 NBA Draft. If Giannis succeeded in the draft, the entire family could relocate to America, making this the pathway to their immigration solution.

The NBA Draft represented the family's best chance at escaping their precarious immigration situation. Giannis being selected meant the entire Antetokounmpo family could legally relocate to America, transforming their lives from undocumented immigrants facing potential deportation to having a secure future in the United States.

Coach Takis Zivas recognized the brothers' potential during their park games and invited them to use the Filathlitikos gym for free. This provided them with proper training facilities and a pathway into organized basketball, essentially giving them their first real opportunity to develop their talent beyond informal street games.

John Hammond, representing the Milwaukee Bucks, appeared hesitant yet receptive when meeting with Giannis and his team. Despite Haris and Kevin Stefanides's efforts to pitch Giannis's potential, Hammond's caution likely stemmed from the brothers' lack of established reputation in European basketball and the uncertainty surrounding their abilities at the professional level.

During the New York meetings, a Nike representative showed interest in Giannis, recognizing his market potential as an emerging basketball talent. This demonstrates how his performances had caught the attention of major sports brands, not just NBA teams, signaling his growing status as a promising athlete worth investing in.

Giannis asked Thanasis to accompany him to New York because he was facing enormous pressure and fear of failure in his quest to make it to the NBA. Thanasis had been his rock throughout their journey, providing emotional support and stability. Giannis needed his brother's presence to help navigate the intimidating landscape of high-stakes meetings and recruiters.

Giannis was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft. While not a top pick, this selection was monumental because it secured his family's future in America and marked the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance through poverty, undocumented status, and countless obstacles.

The family's lack of Greek citizenship created constant barriers throughout their journey. Thanasis lost a college offer when his family history was reviewed, the family faced eviction and unemployment threats, and they lived under constant fear of deportation. Their undocumented status meant every opportunity required extra struggle and verification, unlike typical athletes with documented backgrounds.