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South Sudan impressive in Olympic basketball debut
South Sudan men’s basketball team brushed off all obstacles to get a historic first win in the Paris Games.
In the first battle from the Group Phase C, the world’s No. 33 ranked team shocked world’s No. 16 Puerto Rico by winning their first foray in Olympics men’s basketball 90-79 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on July 28.
Carlik Jones led the South Sudan in victory by tallying 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Marial Shayok added 15 markers.
The team overcame an 8-0 start from Puerto Rico and only managed to taste the first lead of the game in the 7:13 mark of the 3rd quarter of play when Noni Omot made a three-pointer to give them a two-point cushion 56-54.
From there, South Sudan never looked back and got their first ever Olympic win. The African nation qualified for the Paris Games after qualifying as Africa’s top finisher in last year’s world cup.
Anthem Blunder before game
Before the game began, an anthem blunder was made by the Paris Games organizers. They inadvertently played the neighboring Sudan’s anthem - and they later apologized for their mistake.
The nation of South Sudan has gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but violent clashes between the two nations continued to spark as the dispute over borders, natural resources and political power.
Before their win, the organizers inadvertently played the anthem of neighboring Sudan – and later apologized for the mistake.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but disputes over borders, natural resources and political power have continued to spark violent clashes between the two.
No indoor basketball courts
In South Sudan, there were no indoor basketball courts according to NBA All-Star Loul Deng, who’s also the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.
Deng was instrumental in putting the Bright Stars together to form the South Sudan men’s national basketball team.
He also said that South Sudan has some of the tallest people in the world. Height usually is always might in the game of basketball as it gives a huge advantage.However, the country lacks resources to even have an indoor basketball court.
PHOTO COURTESY: NBC SPORTS
Deng adds: “For all of us, it’s a journey that’s bigger than basketball. As a young kid myself, in the NBA, I knew that a lot of young South Sudanese kids and refugees around the world were following my story. Now, it’s even more incredible when you’re doing it as a group.
“What we’re accomplishing for the continent of Africa is a huge thing; sports can elevate and motivate a whole nation.”
With all the obstacles that South Sudan men’s basketball team have faced, can they even add more unexpected achievements including a medal in their first ever Olympic stint?
Only time will tell as they face off against powerhouse Team USA on July 30th.
