Giannis An-te-toka-toma-too? Channel Seven's Basil Zempilas is roasted after his 'embarrassing' attempt to pronounce an NBA player's name goes viral
You'd think someone called Basil Zempilas would know how pronounce unusual names.
But the Channel Seven newsreader, 49, has gone viral after his garbled attempt at saying the name of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He was reporting on Giannis' dismissal for head-butting rival Moe Wagner on Tuesday, but fumbled when it came to pronouncing the Greek sportsman's surname.
Giannis An-te-toka-toma-too? Channel Seven's Basil Zempilas (pictured) has been roasted after his 'embarrassing' attempt to pronounce an NBA player's name went viral on social media
'One of the NBA's biggest stars is in hot water on the eve of the playoffs, Giannis An-te-toka-toma-too...' he stammered, before adding: '...was ejected for head-butting during the Bucks' penultimate regular season game against the Wizards.'
To make matters worse, Basil went on to mispronounce Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard's last name, mistakenly calling him Damian 'Lilliard'.
A video of the reporter's on-air gaffe has since gone viral, with NBA fans from all over the world taking digs at Basil on social media.
Gaffe: Reading from the teleprompter, Basil said: 'One of the NBA's biggest stars is in hot water on the eve of the playoffs... Giannis An-te-toka-toma-too.' Pictured: Giannis Antetokounmpo
'Hahahaha probably the most butchered pronunciation of Antetokounmpo followed by Damian LILLIARD. Thanks Basil,' one unimpressed viewer tweeted.
'Basil somehow made Giannis' surname even longer,' another wrote.
One fan claimed that Basil, who has Greek heritage, 'should know how to pronounce the [name of the] biggest Greek athlete in the world'.
Strike two! To make matters worse, Basil went on to mispronounce Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard's last name, mistakenly calling him Damian 'Lilliard'
'Basil somehow made Giannis' surname even longer': A video of the reporter's on-air gaffe has since gone viral, with NBA fans from all over the world taking digs at Basil on Twitter
Basil later apologised to viewers for the embarrassing gaffe, tweeting: 'I know, not my best.'
It comes several months after the television and radio personality announced he was running for Lord Mayor of Perth.
The election is set to take place in October, and Basil told Perth Now on January 19 that he was 'up for the fight'.
He said: 'I live in the city, work in the city and walk through the city every day and I, like all West Aussies, expect our capital to be safer, cleaner, cheaper, more accessible, more vibrant and friendlier.'
Sorry! Basil apologised to viewers for the embarrassing gaffe, tweeting: 'I know, not my best'
Candidate: It comes several months after the television and radio personality announced he was running for Lord Mayor of Perth
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