Israel Coach: "We'll Need M-16s for Giannis"

Israel's coach, Ariel Beit Halami, made a controversial statement regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the game against the Greek National Team in Eurobasket 2025.

Specifically, Halami stated that to stop Antetokounmpo, they would need… M-16s. The statement sparked reactions.

"A great game from the national team, we haven't been in the round of 16 for a long time. We are facing a very good team and we are coming to give it our all with a lot of faith. We will have to play very good, smart and - most importantly - tough defense. Teams have changed to play very hard and very physical and without that we cannot win anything. I certainly believe in the players and in our style, in our spirit and in our unity," said the Israeli coach.

The Greek National Team will face Israel on Sunday (7/9) for the Eurobasket 2025 quarter-finals.