Like Latvia, Georgia and Cape Verde, the South Sudan is about to play the very first world Cup of its history. A huge achievement for the youngest country in the world, independent since 2011 and integrated into the FIBA circuit since 2013 only.
But also and above all the reward for a great rise in power in recent months for the African selection, which finished the AfroBasket in fifth place in 2021 before flying over the qualifying phase for the World Cup in the Africa region ( 11 wins and 1 loss).
Luol Deng, the trigger
” We are at the World Cup, for the very first time. Our guys are enthusiastic, so am I “, confirms Royal Ivey, coach of this South Sudanese formation. ” The best teams in the world are going to compete, and we are in the table. We’re going to give our best and we’ll see where it takes us. In any case, we are prepared, and we can’t wait to start this adventure. »
Then the former “journeyman” in the NBA (Atlanta, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and OKC) not to fail to pay tribute to Luol Dengpresident of the South Sudan basketball federation and even coach of the country during AfroBasket 2021, not to mention all his investments to develop basketball in his native lands.
” Of course, I didn’t do it all alone. First, I’ve come all this way with the players. And the credit also goes to Luol Deng, the president of the federation. He laid the foundations for all of this long before I took part in this adventure. He carried an entire nation on his shoulders. Me, I’m just a cog in the machine », he adds thus, at South Sudan’s introductory press conference in Manila. ” But in any case, I am delighted to represent South Sudan. It’s quite an adventure for the youngest country in the world. I am happy and enthusiastic for my players, who will prove the value of African basketball, and our state of mind. It’s a very inspiring opportunity, and I’m grateful to be part of it. »
The best South Sudanese band ever assembled
On paper, South Sudan presents in any case an intriguing, young and athletic group. In Group B, made up of Serbia, Puerto Rico and China, the “Bright Stars” can certainly aim to reach the second round, where they would cross with Group A of Italy and the Dominican Republic.
” Our group is different [des phases de qualification]. I think it’s the most talented team I’ve coached so far. We added Wenyen Gabriel, formerly of the Lakers, and Carlik Jones, the reigning G-League MVP. With them, our level of play is higher. We also have a valuable return, that of Nuni Omot, and I think our bench is denser concludes Ime Udoka’s new assistant in Houston. ” I will be able to use different configurations, we are long, tall and athletic, so we will play fast. And, I hope, we will play to our strengths. »
