Elena Tsineke: The “Female Antetokounmpo” Drafted into WNBA

DUNK IT LIKE ANTETOKOUNMPOElena Tsineke: The “Female Antetokounmpo” Drafted into WNBA

Elena Tsineke, a 23-year-old basketball player from Thessaloniki, Greece, is making history as she follows in the footsteps of Giannis Antetokounmpo and prepares to play in the WNBA.

She was selected as the No. 20 pick by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA draft, fulfilling her dream of playing in the world’s top league. Elena, who has been a member of the Greek National Team for years, graduated from the University of South Florida, where she averaged impressive statistics in her final season.

Elena and her twin sister, Katerina, both excel in basketball and were born to a Nigerian father and a Greek mother named Rena Ketzejiadou. They grew up in Evosmos, a neighborhood in Thessaloniki, and began playing basketball together at Aianas Evosmos Academies. They played for various teams, including Aris Thessaloniki and Niki Lefkada, and in 2016, they played together for Aris and helped promote the team to A1.

Tsineke attended the Hellenic College of Thessaloniki before pursuing her studies in psychology at the University of South Florida. She has represented Greece as an international player in the National Girls and Juniors teams, and in 2018, she was invited to join the Women’s team, participating in the final phase of Eurobasket in 2021.

*Elena has been dubbed the “female Antetokounmpo. | Photo: Elena Tsineke/Instagram*

Due to her Nigerian heritage and love for basketball in the US, Elena has been dubbed the “female Antetokounmpo.” She expresses admiration for Giannis Antetokounmpo and aspires to follow in his footsteps. However, she prefers to be recognized as part of the “Tsineke sisters” and acknowledges the unreal achievements of the Antetokounmpo brothers. Elena’s ultimate dream is to play in the WNBA.

During her time in the US, Elena has been impressed by the organization of the league as well as the food. She tried chicken wings for the first time, but she confesses that she doesn’t particularly enjoy meat and aspires to become a vegetarian.

Elena Tsineke’s journey from Thessaloniki to the WNBA showcases her talent, dedication, and determination to make a mark in the world of basketball while proudly representing her Greek and Nigerian heritage.