The men’s basketball team of South Sudan made a sensational debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a commanding victory over Puerto Rico. On Sunday, July 28, 2024, the Pierre Mauroy Arena was adorned with South Sudanese flags as the team, led by Coach Royal Ivey, overcame a slow start to triumph 90-79.
This victory is a testament to the country’s rapid rise in the basketball world. South Sudan, a recently independent nation in central Africa, showcased their potential on the sport’s biggest stage. The team’s journey is marked by resilience and determination, overcoming numerous challenges to reach this milestone.
South Sudan’s squad features players with NBA experience, including leading scorer Carlik Jones, who contributed 19 points, and former NBA player Marial Shayok, who added 15 points. The team’s physicality and athleticism were on full display, especially in the third period where they hit five 3-pointers to overturn a halftime deficit.
Forward Majok Deng expressed the team’s emotions after the game, “It means a lot, just to be here. 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.”
With this victory, South Sudan has positioned itself as more than just a remarkable story. The team now looks ahead to their next games against Team USA and Serbia, with hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Source: Gary Washburn, Olympics.com
