In a remarkable display of dedication and patriotism, former NBA star Luol Deng has been the driving force behind the resurgence and rise of South Sudan’s national basketball program. Head coach Royal Ivey recently revealed that Deng has been funding the team out of his own pocket for the past four years, covering expenses such as gyms, hotels, and plane tickets.
Luol Deng, who fled war-torn Sudan at the age of five, has always had a deep connection to his homeland. After a successful NBA career, he turned his attention to developing basketball in South Sudan. In 2019, Deng was unanimously elected as the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation (SSBF), a role in which he has been instrumental in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
Under Deng’s leadership, South Sudan’s basketball team has made significant strides. The team recently made its (successful) Olympic debut, a historic achievement for the young nation. Coach Royal Ivey, who was appointed by Deng in 2021, credits him for the team’s success and the vision that brought them to this point.
“Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets—everything. Kudos to Luol and the staff. We wouldn’t have been able to put this team together without them,” Ivey stated.
Deng’s commitment goes beyond financial support. He has been actively involved in the team’s development, serving as an assistant coach and mentor. His efforts have not only elevated the team’s performance but also inspired hope and unity in South Sudan.
“We committed to an ambitious vision of nation building through sport, from representing South Sudan abroad to locally developing the sport nationwide,” Deng said.
As South Sudan continues to make its mark on the international basketball stage, the contributions of Luol Deng will be remembered as a cornerstone of their success. His unwavering support and leadership have set a foundation for future generations to build upon, proving that with vision and dedication, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.
