Sports AFRICA, ATHLETICS, BRIGHT STARS, CAF, CARL, CARLIK JONES, DENG, EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL EVENTS, LONDON, LU, LUOL DENG, MEN'S BASKETBALL, NIKOLA JOKIC, NORTH AMERICA, OLYMPICS, QUALIFICATION, ROYAL IVEY, SERBIA, SOUTH SUDAN, TEAM GB, U. S, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES Omar El-Sharif April 10, 2025 0 Comments

South Sudan’s Historic Basketball Success at the Paris 2024 Olympics

South Sudan achieved a historic win in men’s basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating Puerto Rico 90-79, marking its first Olympic victory. Despite being a relatively new participant in international basketball, the team has shown remarkable growth, aided by influential figures such as Luol Deng. South Sudan’s journey is characterized by national pride and a strong potential to compete further in the tournament and aim for an Olympic medal.

Fourteen years after its formation, South Sudan has made history in the Olympic Games by achieving its first victory in men’s basketball. On July 28, 2024, the nation triumphed over Puerto Rico with a score of 90-79, showcasing a collaborative team effort, particularly highlighted by Carlik Jones scoring 19 points. This distinguished performance marks a significant milestone on the global sports stage for the youngest country in the world.

Prior to this Olympic event, South Sudan was viewed with skepticism, largely due to its recent initiation into competitive basketball. The team’s near-miss against the United States in a warmup match, losing narrowly at 101-100, piqued interest and began to shake off the underdog label. This newfound recognition has been galvanized by the team’s recent Olympic victory, which commands respect on the international scene.

Having only been a part of the International Olympic Committee since 2015, South Sudan’s progression is remarkable. Their participation in the 2021 AfroBasket was their debut on the tournament circuit, followed by a notable showing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they emerged as the top African team. Securing a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to their growth and determination.

With the win against Puerto Rico, South Sudan is now poised to face the United States again on July 31, followed by a matchup against Serbia on August 3. While these challenges are formidable, the team has demonstrated resilience and potential that belies their status as underdogs. Many observers are optimistic about their chances of earning an Olympic medal.

The establishment of South Sudan’s basketball success is significantly attributed to Luol Deng, a distinguished South Sudanese figure, who has fostered the domestic basketball landscape. As President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation and an assistant coach in Paris, Deng’s influence extends to mentoring emerging talents such as 17-year-old Khaman Maluach. This young player, who stands at 7 feet 2 inches and currently plays for Duke University, embodies the blossoming future of South Sudanese basketball.

The evolution of this basketball squad symbolizes more than mere athletic achievement; it stands as a beacon of national pride for South Sudan, the youngest nation participating in this Olympic tournament. Their inspirational journey in basketball, commencing with their Olympic debut, has captivated audiences and marked a compelling narrative within the realm of global sports.

In summary, South Sudan has made a historic impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Puerto Rico in their inaugural basketball match. The journey from a nascent nation to a noteworthy competitor in international basketball reflects their unwavering resolve. With influential figures like Luol Deng supporting young talents, South Sudan is poised for continued success, embodying national pride and ambition on the world stage. The team’s future in the tournament holds promise as they strive for an Olympic medal.

Original Source: www.olympics.com