Giannis Antetokounmpo, once again an NBA MVP candidate, didn’t go to college. He played basketball in Greece before he was selected in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Even though Antetokounmpo never played in the NCAA, he and his family are still huge on giving back whenever possible. So it was not shocking to learn that the two-time MVP was working on a campaign surrounding the upcoming March Madness tournament.
The Bucks superstar partnered with the aptly-titled deodorant company Degree® to launch the Degree Walk-On Program.
They will provide five college basketball walk-ons, who do not have athletic scholarships, with NIL deals that provide the financial support needed to help them continue playing in the NCAA and eventually earn their college degree.
Four of the walk-ons were already selected: Andre Johnson Jr. (UCONN), Lauren Zwetzig (Notre Dame), Ronnie Porter (Wisconsin), and Spencer Hubbard (Duke).
The fifth walk-on will earn a selection based on nominations (which you can do here) received between March 9-19. The winner will be honored during the men’s Final Four in Houston.
Antetokounmpo recently caught up with For The Win over Zoom for a heartful conversation to discuss college basketball, charity, his family, and more.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.