In the world of sports, few stories are as inspiring as that of South Sudan’s national basketball team. At the heart of this remarkable journey is former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, whose dedication and vision have propelled the team to unprecedented heights.
Luol Deng, a two-time NBA All-Star, retired from professional basketball in 2019. However, his passion for the game and his homeland did not fade. Deng, who was born in what is now South Sudan, saw an opportunity to use basketball as a tool for unity and development in the world’s youngest nation.
“When the national anthem was sung, you know, it just gave me goosebumps, and I realized that this was bigger than basketball,” Deng told CNN’s Amanda Davies. “And you know that the support is going to be there.
This is really a credit to our fans who supported us from day one. And now, we have such a huge following and huge (fanbase) that we really believe that it’s so inspiring because of the fans. The energy and everything that they’re bringing is inspiring everybody else to pay attention to it.”
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, emerging from decades of civil war. The country faced numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and resources. Despite these obstacles, Deng was determined to build a competitive basketball team. He used millions of his own dollars to fund the team, covering expenses such as training camps, travel, and equipment.
Under Deng’s leadership, South Sudan’s basketball team has made significant strides. The team qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a historic milestone for the nation. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, many of whom have ties to South Sudan but play professionally around the world.
Deng’s influence extends beyond financial support. He served as the head coach during the AfroBasket Qualifiers in 2021 and later became the president of South Sudan’s basketball federation. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in the team’s success.
The success of South Sudan’s basketball team has inspired hope and pride in the nation. It has also highlighted the potential of sports to bring about positive change. As the team prepares to compete on the world stage, Deng’s vision of using basketball to unite and uplift his country continues to drive them forward.
