The Olympic debut of the South Sudan men’s basketball team was a rousing success on and off the floor. Tens of South Sudanese flags donned Pierre Mauroy Arena on Sunday (28 July) as the recently independent country in central Africa completed its amazing journey to basketball’s biggest stage at Paris 2024.
Led by enthusiastic and personable coach Royal Ivey, South Sudan overcame a slow start, and stymied Puerto Rico defensively in the second half to coast to a 90-79 win. Wearing their nation’s colors of black, red and green, the African nation not only celebrated its first Olympic victory but the continuance of an improbable journey from little-known country to emerging basketball power.
With a group of players with NBA experience, native South Sudanese who were relegated to training in other nations because of lack of facilities and naturalized citizens such as leading scorer Carlik Jones, South Sudan has risen to more than just a neat story. With one more win over its next two games against Team USA and Serbia, it has a chance to advance to the knockout round.
South Sudan blitzed Puerto Rico with five 3-pointers in the third period to overcome a six-point halftime deficit, wearing down the opponent with physicality and athleticism. Jones led South Sudan with 19 points while former NBA player Marial Shayok added 15 points.
The atmosphere following the win was elation. The South Sudanese contingent celebrated in the crowd and the players, expressed delight and relief. Step one of their mission was accomplished.
“It means a lot, just to be here,” forward Majok Deng said. “It was a surreal moment and emotional in a way too because to raise your flag at that stage means everything and that’s what we’re fighting for.”
