Giannis to play for Greece at FIBA Basketball World Cup

Giannis Antetokounmpo has confirmed he intends to feature for Greece at this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Greece have already secured their qualification for the 32-team tournament, which begins in China on August 31.

The 2006 silver medal winners will be able to call upon Athens-born NBA star Antetokounmpo, who is an MVP candidate having led the Milwaukee Bucks to the top of the Eastern Conference standings at the break.

Speaking in Charlotte ahead of Sunday's All-Star Game, where he will captain one of the two teams, Antetokounmpo told reporters: "Yeah, I'll be there [at the World Cup].

"Let's be healthy first. Knock on wood, [I'll] stay healthy!"

"After basketball, I'll be in the islands. I'll call it the Greek Freak island. There will be no media... Just me and my family. I'll be laying down in my cabana." pic.twitter.com/i5niWXGdiI

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 16, 2019

Antetokounmpo will appear in his third All-Star Game having averaged 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and six assists in the 2018-19 season.

His incredible athleticism has earned him the nickname the 'Greek Freak', a moniker that he insists he has become fond of.

"I do not know who gave me that nickname but it's been a part of me now," he explained.

"It's part of who I am. I kind of like it...I love it."