That was the beginning of Nigerian-Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise to superstardom. At the time, the 6-foot-11 lanky youngster from Athens was already averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

However, he was just about to make a turn in his young NBA career and acquire the nickname the ‘Greek Freak’.

Over the past 12 months, Antetokounmpo has made a significant improvement in his gameplay and has the stats to prove it. He is now averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.2 blocks – shooting 53 percent from the field. Before Khris Middleton returned from injury, he was leading the team in all major statistical categories.

Previously, only four players in NBA history have led their team in the five major statistical categories: Dave Cowens (1977/78), Scottie Pippen (1994/95), Kevin Garnett (2002/03) and LeBron James (2008/09). The NBA began recording blocks and steals in 1973/74.

Although improving his 3-point shot remains a task for the future NBA superstar (29 percent average), his other on-court abilities still have him positioned as a solid candidate for the Most Improved Player Award this season.

He might even have future possibilities at being considered for MVP.

It was initially assumed that the absence of Middleton increased Antetokounmpo’s time with the ball and helped boost his stats, but even after Middleton’s return, the Greek Freak kept his performance consistent, and in the postseason averaged 24.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and four assists per game.

His career highs also led the Bucks star to signing a four-year, $100-million contract last American summer.

Antetokounmpo also became the first player in NBA history to finish in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

He is the first Buck selected to an All-NBA Team since 2010. The multi-talented forward was recently named to the All-NBA Second Team, in recognition of his outstanding fourth season in the league, making him the first Milwaukee player to be selected to an All-NBA team since Andrew Bogut’s All-NBA Third Team selection for the 2009/10 season.

In the 2016/17 season, Antetokounmpo was the driving force behind the Bucks earning their second playoff berth in the last three seasons, and the team’s first winning record (42-40) since the 2009/10 season.

In February, Antetokounmpo became the youngest Buck to start an All-Star Game, and the first since Moncrief in 1986, as he made his first All-Star Game appearance at the 66th NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans where he scored an Eastern Conference-high 30 points.

Adding on to other numerous achievements in his young career, he is the 10th player in Bucks franchise history to be named to an All-NBA Team and his selection this season marks the 21st time a Milwaukee Bucks player has made it to an All-NBA First, Second or Third Team.

By Kaunda Chama