When people speak about Giannis Antetokounmpo, they usually begin with the obvious things first: his extraordinary talent, his astonishing athleticism, or the fact that at nearly seven feet tall, he already appears slightly closer to heaven than the rest of us! But one recent moment involving the NBA star revealed another side of him entirely.
During a visit to Saint Francis de Sales Seminary (known as “the Salesianum”), the Milwaukee Bucks power forward was shown restoration work taking place across the historic campus. According to posts shared by the seminary, Fr. Luke Strand also presented the 31-year-old with his own rosary so he could give it to his mother.
While the generous gesture of Fr. Strand was moving, seeing the obvious delight of Antetokounmpo reminded us that amid the money, fame, endorsement deals, and endless noise surrounding elite sport, he is like millions of others, a son who thinks of his mom, and his faith.
The basketball player has spoken openly in the past about his Christian faith and his close-knit family, who famously endured years of hardship after emigrating from Nigeria to Greece. Those family bonds still seem to anchor him despite global fame. And perhaps that is partly why so many fans find him so likable. For all his dominance on the basketball court, he still has a sense of gratitude and emotional openness about him that feels refreshingly intact.
And although it was no doubt unintentional, the image itself carries a rather lovely symbolism. After all, here is one of the world’s most physically imposing athletes — nicknamed “The Greek Freak” for his almost superhuman abilities — holding one of Christianity’s simplest devotional objects. A rosary small enough to fit in the palm of his enormous hand.
What a wonderful reminder that strength and tenderness are not opposites.
