JAKARTA - The Milwaukee Bucks became the first NBA team in nearly five years to visit the White House as guests of the President of the United States.
The Bucks met with President Joe Biden on Monday local time or Tuesday WIB, restarting a tradition that was stopped during Donald Trump's presidency.
"It's amazing and humble to be part of that tradition. It's really cool," said Bucks center Brook Lopez, who is from Los Angeles, California.
Absolutely no oneBrook: pic.twitter.com/pme4FKHMcX
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 9, 2021
NBA players chose not to attend the White House celebrations out of respect for US sports teams over Trump's Republican policy of stripping some minority rights, particularly the civil rights of the black American community.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the last NBA team to visit the White House, while former president Barack Obama was in power.
The players and coaches finally met with Democratic US president Biden, who voted for Donte DiVincenzo, who like the president is from Delaware.
"He won two state championships there," Biden said.
"So, he's used to this."
DiVincenzo said the experience will be one to remember for a lifetime.
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said DiVincenzo.
"It's an experience, a first, seeing someone from Delware in the presidency, and second, being here with the team, winning a championship, being here to celebrate."
Biden also spoke about the success story of Bucks top scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo, who rose from poverty in Greece -- including sharing a pair of shoes with his brother -- to make dreams come true.
What an awesome experience!! Unbelievable journey🤎🙏🏽 @Thanasis_ante43 @Bucks @NBA pic.twitter.com/wQFWVFjiaW
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) November 9, 2021
"I was a little emotional," said Antetokounmpo.
"I know how much was sacrificed (my family) because this didn't happen eight years ago. It's been happening since I was a kid."
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