Naturalized Greek Thomas Walkup led the Hellas’ comeback against New Zealand in their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 battle for the final spot from Group C to the next round.
The Tall Blacks had a strong start, establishing a 43-32 lead at halftime, with Walkup, Hellas’ point guard, struggling to make an impact.
In the first half, Walkup played for 17 minutes and 32 seconds but was a minus-eight on the floor and scored only three points.
However, the entire Greek team emerged from the locker room with renewed energy.
Walkup played a crucial role in Greece’s impressive turnaround, with Ioannis Papapetrou and Giannoulis Larentzakis leading the offensive charge. The Hellas completed their comeback with a final score of 83-74.
“Showed the character of the team, showed the fight of the team,” said Walkup, who played the entire second half.
“When you’re representing a country like this, that’s what you have to show.”
Walkup was naturalized in April 2023 to become a key player for Hellas as their main playmaker. His existing chemistry with Greece wasn’t an issue since he had been playing for Olympiacos, a Greek team, since 2021.
With his naturalization, he now competes in the Greek leagues as a local player.
Facing challenges like those posed by the Tall Blacks on Wednesday, the 6-foot-4 ball-handler noted that it will only contribute to Hellas’ improvement moving forward.
With a 2-1 record heading into the second round, Greece will face Lithuania and Montenegro. It aims to secure a top-two position in Group J to advance to the knockout stage.
“You don’t improve so much by winning by 40 you know? This type of games when things get tough, when you face adversity is when you improve and get better as a unit,” said Walkup, a Texas, USA native.
“This game provides a lot of rhythm and confidence going forward.”
Greece’s second-round journey will begin on Friday against Lietuva at 8:40 PM, still at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
