A missed connection and seven-hour flight delay turned into a once-in-a-lifetime encounter for Alexander Kaliakoudis and his cousin, when they stumbled upon the NBA deity Giannis Antetokounmpo at Athens International Airport.
The cousins were en route to their ancestral village on Kos via Mykonos when they found themselves stuck in Athens for over seven hours due to the lost connection.
“Seeing Giannis in the flesh was surreal,” Alexander told Neos Kosmos. “We spotted him near the airport lounges. I couldn’t believe it… fate.”
Alexander posits responsibility on the mythic Fates. They were feeling “gutted,” he told Neos Kosmos, about the delay.
“It was meant to happen,” Alexander told Neos Kosmos.
The boys’ meeting with the Greek-Nigerian NBA All-Star was much more than a celebrity sighting – more like the Achaeans’ first sighting of Achilles landing on the shores of Troy.
“He’s a modern-day hero,” Alexander said.
“What he’s achieved is phenomenal, but what struck me was how grounded and generous he was. He represents modern Greece in a powerful way—disciplined, dignified, and humble,” he added.
Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants, Antetokounmpo was raised in the working-class suburb of Sepolia. He rose—through hard work, determination, skill and the backing of his family support—to reach the Mount Olympus of basketball’s pantheon. By his own admission, a deep Orthodox faith also helped.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. Known by his legions as the “Greek Freak” for his astonishing basketball skills, he is also a symbol of a modern and culturally diverse Greece.
Despite the universal fatigue born of airport delays, Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t show it. He was calm, gracious—human, polite, and quietly stoic. An ancient hero with sneakers instead of sandals.
“He was super friendly. When he saw my little cousin in a Greek national basketball jersey with his name on it, he lit up,” Alexander said. (Ironically, the jersey was actually Alexander’s—but on that day, his cousin was the lucky wearer.)
“He smiled, posed for photos, and was really kind.”
The encounter quickly turned public though. Within minutes, a crowd of more than 40 people gathered, cameras out, said Alexander.
“He didn’t complain. He stayed, took photos with everyone. Then something really beautiful happened.
“Someone arrived late and missed him—but Giannis came back out of the lounge just to take a photo with him. That told me everything I need to know about the man.”
Beyond the dizzying heights of global professional basketball, the encounter tapped into something deeper, said Alexander: “It was our shared identity.”
These young Greek Australian diaspora—all children of migrants—met the heroic son of Nigerian migrants to Greece. No clearer was the power of Hellenic Diaspora connections.
“It reminded me of what being Greek actually means,” Alexander said.
“It’s not about where you’re born, or race. It’s about culture, spirit, and a sense of belonging. Giannis embodies the Hellenic spirit. We’re proud Hellenes.”
No, the boys didn’t get an autograph.
“We completely forgot in the excitement,” Alexander laughed.
“We’ve got the photos—and the memory. That will last forever.”
