Marial Shayok Signs with Liaoning Flying Leopards for 2024-2025 Season
In a significant development following his participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Marial Shayok has announced his decision regarding his professional basketball career for the 2024-2025 season. As reported by HoopsHype, Shayok will be joining the Liaoning Flying Leopards in China, thereby continuing his tenure in the Chinese Basketball Association after previously playing for the Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin last season.
Marial Shayok first entered the NBA in 2019 when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 54th overall pick in the NBA Draft. He garnered attention during his collegiate career, where he initially played at the University of Virginia before transferring to Iowa State University. In his final season at Iowa State, Shayok exhibited impressive statistics, averaging 19 points and five rebounds per game while achieving a three-point shooting percentage of 39% across 34 games.
Upon joining the 76ers on a two-way contract, Shayok found success in the NBA G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. There, he distinguished himself as a full-time starter, averaging 22 points and six rebounds in 36 games during his rookie year, with a three-point shooting rate of 36%. However, his opportunities on the main roster of the 76ers were limited, as he participated in merely four games during the 2019-2020 season, averaging just seven points per game on 25% shooting.
Following his stint with the 76ers, Shayok’s career took him overseas where he played in Turkey. Recently, he had a productive spell with the Maine Celtics in the G League during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 20 points per game and managing to make 50% of his attempts from beyond the arc in 21 games.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Shayok has aspirations to return to the NBA in the future. Nevertheless, his commendable performance for South Sudan during their Olympic campaign showcases his enduring talent. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, the basketball community will be following his progress with keen interest.
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