This is one of the most beautiful stories of this World Cup 2023. “Youngest” state in the world, independent since 2011 and present on the FIBA circuit since 2013, the South Sudan won the first game in its history at the World Cup against China on Monday, two days after falling in overtime against Puerto Rico.
Inevitably, one of the drivers of this young but ambitious selection, namely Luol Dengcan only be delighted with everything that is happening at the moment to the “Bright Stars” of Wenyen Gabriel and Carlik Jones.
” It means everything », reacts thus the president of the South Sudanese federation, who is the assistant-coach of Royal Ivey at the World Cup, after having been the coach of South Sudan during the qualifications for the World Cup. ” I know it’s basketball, but it’s a sport we love and want to see grow. We are a new country and we have been through a lot. This World Cup is a place where we are here, with everyone, and we can call it ours and celebrate. »
Luol Deng, a far from satisfied visionary
At the origin of the development of South Sudanese basketball, fast and promising, Luol Deng is logically unanimous with all those who have the chance to rub shoulders with him and who have wanted to believe in his project, in recent months and in recent years.
” He is the heart and soul of this team, the president », judge for example Royal Ivey, the Rockets’ new assistant. ” Without him, I wouldn’t be sitting here. He had a great vision, I trusted him and everything fell into place. I’m impressed to be here at the World Cup. »
” He changes the trajectory of his country, he uses basketball to spread hope “, adds on his side Joe Mategna, one of Royal Ivey’s other assistants. ” It is such a humbling experience to be part of this climb and see what is happening in South Sudan, with the success that our team is experiencing. »
Still in the running to qualify for the second round, even if it will be necessary to achieve the feat against Serbia to access it, the South Sudanese players have already succeeded in their competition. But, as for several years now, Luol Deng already sees even greater for the future of his country.
” We want to keep building. We are very happy and excited about what we are building. I sincerely believe that we can make our place on stage with the rest of the world thanks to basketball. We have a lot of talent and even more guys are coming to South Sudan. It is simply a question of organization and implementation. We are only at the first stage. I really believe that it is a sport in which we are naturally gifted, we are made for this sport. We are determined. The problem is the organization, but I believe in our guys and what we do “, Announces the former Bulls player, retired since 2019 and who has therefore brilliantly succeeded in his retraining.
