Antetokounmpo brothers on a mission in China

With Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo set to represent Greece in China, AGONAsport looks back at other brothers who played at the FIBA World Cup together.

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Initially, three Antetokounmpo brothers were in the national team roster for the upcoming 2019 World Cup in China, but Kostas left the squad last week. Nevertheless, Giannis and Thanasis are sure to play at the tournament, two players who will be hugely important figures for Greece as the country aims to claim a medal.

Let’s take a look back at some of the most notable brothers who played together at the World Cup for their respective countries:

1986 - Drazen and Aleksandar Petrovic, Yugoslavia

Sadly, gifted shooting guard Drazen died at the age of 28 after a tragic car accident. Seven years before his tragic death, he had played at the 1986 World Cup with his brother Aleksandar, averaging 25.2 points in the tournament as Yugoslavia finished in third place. Aleksandar, the current head coach of the Brazilian national team, registered an average of 11.4 points per game.

2006 - Mark and Pau Gasol, Spain

The Gasol brothers inspired Spain to victory at the tournament in Spain. In the final, Spain defeated Greece 70-47 to claim gold, with Pau Gasol subsequently being named the Most Valuable Player of the competition and Mark making some key contributions after being a late addition to the team. A memorable tournament for both players.

2006 - Ksystof and Darjus Lavrinovic, Lithuania

The Vilnius-born pair, both centers, played a major role in Lithuania emerging from Group C of the 2006 World Cup and eventually reaching the quarter-finals. Overall, Darjus averaged 11.2 points for the Lithuanians, while Ksystof gained an average of 6.3 rebounds. Solid statistics for the brothers.

2006 - Florent and Mickael Pietrus, France

These two helped France make a surprise run to fifth. Throughout the competition, the Pietrus brothers consistently made the difference for the French, and Florent was the best rebounder in the team as he averaged 6.7 per game.

2006 - Joji and Kosuke Takeuchi, Japan

Unfortunately for the Japanese hosts, they contrived to lose all five group matches at the tournament in Hiroshima, but the Takeuchi twins (both centers) caught the eye with their play on the court. They went on to represent their country for more than 10 years after the competition.

2014 - Goran and Zoran Dragic, Slovenia

At the 2014 tournament in Gran Canaria, the Dragic brothers starred for Slovenia, with the two gaining a combined average of 28.9 points per game. The Slovenian charge ended in the quarter-finals against the USA after they had defeated the Dominican Republic by 10 points in the previous round.

2014 - Corey and Tai Webster, New Zealand

The fact New Zealand qualified for the Round of 16, where they lost to Lithuania, was mainly down to the brilliant play of Corey and Tai Webster. Corey, who once played in Greece with Koroivos, was in particularly good form as he gained 22 points in a win against Turkey and 26 in the loss to the Lithuanians.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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