First Orthodox MVP, grateful to God for success

Janis Adetokumbo managed to repeat the achievement of the legendary Michael Jordan - he was the second in history to be chosen as the MVP of the regular NBA championship, he was chosen as the MVP of the final series and for the award for the best defender of the league.

Janis is the first Orthodox basketball player with the title of MVP of the final series, and how important is that to him?

"First of all, I want to thank God for giving me such an incredible talent. It allowed me to be right here now. Everything I do is with God's help. I have his blessing", were the first words of Janis after the NBA championship ring with Mlvoki Baksim.

And how dedicated a believer Janis is, is confirmed by all his actions. From humanitarian actions and funds, to unreserved respect for Greek national symbols. So much so, that he will not sign for the fans on the flag of Greece, because he believes that this would desecrate the sanctuary.

"I started as a boy on weekends going to church lectures, and there was a man who told us - when you do good, let your left hand not know what your right hand is doing, so that your help is secret. That's why I help people and I loved those classes because it wasn't taught in regular school"

It was the priest from whom he studied theology, Yevangelos Ganos, who did a lot of good for Janis and his four brothers, who grew up reselling chaovniks and CDs or DVDs.

But also the entire Adetokumbo family, who immigrated illegally to Greece, was hidden in the church chambers during all actions against immigrants by the priest Ganis.

Janis, although born in Athens, could only get a passport when he turned 18 as a child of illegal immigrants.

Ganos also baptized Janis, who asked to perform this holy act on October 28, the biggest Greek holiday.

"Greece and Orthodoxy are an inseparable part of me," emphasized Janis, who brought the church closer to his older brother Thanasis, also a member of the champion Milwaukee, and other family members.

Despite participating in the final series, which ended just before the start of the OI, Janis signaled that he wanted to play for Greece. However, Germany was better in the qualifying tournament.