In the heat of the FIBA World Cup games, emotions are running high for everyone. Coaches, tasked with their crucial role in victory at any cost, often bear the brunt of this pressure. One such instance is unfolding in the Greece vs. USA game. Dimitrios Itoudis, the head coach and a two-time champion coach, is caught on camera frantically screaming at the court bench. The intensity of his outburst was palpable, and it was clear that he was missing a key player from the team, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Frustration at large as the star player is absent
The ‘Greek Freak’, is absent in the FIBA this year’s absence due to his injury. The void left by the powerhouse has been challenging to fill as the team is struggling to score against the US. As of the third quarter, the US is leading in the game with 79-56.
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Coach Itoudis is frustrated and is seen shouting at his players on the bench. His words were clear and filled with urgency: “Listen to me. What the f*** you are talking about. Grab the f****** ball.”
This outburst, caught on camera, revealed the pressure and intensity of the situation.
The Head Coach of Greece was NOT happy with his teams effort 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/4auZs4dumx
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) August 28, 2023
Clearly, the coach is not happy with the team’s efforts!
Even in the intense moment, fans started getting humorous.
A fan who knew about Itoudis’ outburst, commented with outbursts, he linked him to “Classic Itoudis 😅😅”.
Classic Itoudis 😅😅
— apqlzm (@PlysKaft2) August 28, 2023
Many fans wanted more real behind-the-scenes. One fan commented, “🤣🤣🤣Sometimes I wish other coaches would get real like that but they can’t…”
🤣🤣🤣Sometimes I wish other coaches would get real like that but they can’t…
— Jazzymom (@CyntHarp) August 28, 2023
Some expressed their wish for more transparency in NBA games with requests like “Please let them film huddles in the NBA”.
Please let them film huddled in the NBA
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) August 28, 2023
One fan took it really far by plainly stating the coach looks like “Every Greek dad talking to their son”.
Every Greek dad talking to their son
— Thanasi (@Thanasi23) August 28, 2023
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Interestingly, one fan thanked Greece for reasons beyond just basketball, he said, “I just want to say, thank you for introducing me to Fried Feta Cheese”.
Greek people have found this
I just want to say, thank you for introducing me to Fried Feta Cheese
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) August 28, 2023
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The incident exchange shows how much pressure coaches and players are under during high-stakes games. As Greece continues its journey in the FIBA World Cup without Giannis, fans are watching closely to see how they adapt and perform.
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