In the annals of sporting history, South Sudan, the youngest African nation to achieve independence in 2011, has etched its name in the world of basketball. The spotlight turned to Quezon City in the Philippines, one of the three host countries, alongside Japan and Indonesia, for the Basketball World Cup held from August 25 to September 10. The pivotal moment arrived on Saturday, September 2, when South Sudan’s men’s basketball team triumphed over Angola with a resounding score of 101-78. This victory, following an earlier win against the Philippines with a score of 87-68, secured their ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It marked a historic achievement for the Bright Stars, their meteoric rise being one of the most remarkable narratives in global basketball in recent years.
The South Sudanese populace, particularly in the capital city of Juba, erupted in jubilation as they celebrated this momentous qualification for the Olympics. Italian coach Stefano Cusin, who guides the South Sudanese football team, was on the scene in Juba during this historic day. He witnessed firsthand the unbridled enthusiasm generated by this Olympic qualification. Cusin commented, “People poured into the streets, dancing and singing. There is immense pride and joy. For them, it’s a crucial affirmation that their country can excel, a positive narrative that doesn’t always dominate the headlines.”
During the initial stages of the World Cup, South Sudan, despite facing formidable opponents like Puerto Rico (resulting in a 96-101 loss) and Serbia (with a score of 83-115), made hearts swell with patriotic fervor as they dominated China with an impressive score of 89-69. Senegalese coach Cheikh Sarr, who leads Rwanda’s team, shared his insights, saying, “I’m not surprised by their progress, considering their players compete in high-level leagues in the United States, France, and Australia.”
South Sudan’s American coach, Royal Ivey, a former NBA player with the Houston Rockets, has been working wonders since his appointment in 2021. Given the underdeveloped and unstructured state of the local basketball scene, Ivey relies heavily on expatriate players. Notably, South Sudan lacks indoor basketball courts.
However, the journey of some of South Sudan’s players is marked by dramatic personal stories. Peter Jok, for instance, lost his father, a general in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), and one of his grandfathers, both casualties of the conflict against Khartoum. Nuni Omot was born in a Kenyan refugee camp, while Majok Deng spent several years in one after escaping his hometown of Bor at the tender age of 8. Cusin added, “This team resonates with South Sudanese because many players had to flee the country with their families to escape the war. Such experiences are relatable for many families here.”
South Sudan’s federation also managed to secure the commitment of American player Carlik Jones, who is under contract with the Chicago Bulls, to represent the country. Jones played a pivotal role during the World Cup, contributing significantly to the Bright Stars’ Olympic qualification. Coach Sarr observed, “Royal Ivey has maintained a stable player base for over two years. They exhibit a well-established collective, employing thoughtful play and aggressive defense. While South Sudan may display occasional naivety, their progress is undeniably remarkable.”
South Sudan became a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 2013 and has benefited from the unwavering dedication of Luol Deng, who has been the federation’s president since 2019. Born in Wau, Deng, a former Chicago Bulls player who represented Great Britain in international competitions, remained deeply connected to his roots. His influence extended to persuading several South Sudanese-origin players to join the Bright Stars. Deng also secured substantial financial resources, with reports indicating that the local government contributed nearly a million euros to prepare the national team for the World Cup under optimal conditions.
Emmanuel Mavomo, the former coach of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), believes that nothing can halt South Sudan’s ascent in the world of basketball. He stated, “They’ve had an Olympic project for four years now. South Sudan currently stands head and shoulders above the rest in Africa, and this trend appears sustainable, especially as other countries, notably Angola, have regressed. Luol Deng and Royal Ivey, with their NBA mentality and discipline, play a significant role in this success.”
During his encounters with South Sudan’s team, Mavomo was struck by their infectious energy both on and off the court. He noted, “This team exudes incredible energy. I couldn’t wait for the matches to conclude. I also observed the players at their hotel bar – they appeared united, laughing together. Their immense patriotic spirit and determination to present a different image of their country give them an added edge.”
In summary, South Sudan’s remarkable journey in basketball, from war-torn origins to Olympic qualification, serves as a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The Bright Stars have indeed illuminated the path for a brighter future in South Sudanese basketball.
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