36ers Add “Extra Edge” to Roster

The Adelaide 36ers have signed Deng Acuoth for the 2022/23 season.

The 211-centimetre heads to Adelaide after an off-season which saw Acuoth shine on the world stage as part of South Sudan’s rapid rise into 2023 FIBA World Cup qualification contention.

As the starting centre, Acuoth averaged 8.1 rebounds and 5.7 points per game in South Sudan’s perfect 6-0 record so far in the qualification process, a team which included now teammate Sunday Dech.

36ers head coach CJ Bruton says Acuoth is the perfect piece for his new-look roster.

“Deng gives us rim protection and will also give us that extra edge off the bench,” Bruton said.

“He can change shots, block shots and can finish around the rim.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With some force! What a throwdown by Deng Acouth as <a href="https://twitter.com/Knox_Basketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Knox_Basketball</a> extend their advantage tonight over <a href="https://twitter.com/GeelongSupercat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeelongSupercat</a>. Found by <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL</a> legend <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgibson_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgibson_1</a> <br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL1South?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL1South</a> live and free on <a href="https://t.co/NEk1I7BLMG">https://t.co/NEk1I7BLMG</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL1</a> App ??? <a href="https://t.co/I7tQVli5ui">pic.twitter.com/I7tQVli5ui</a></p>&mdash; NBL1 (@NBL1) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL1/status/1525061021898985472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Currently playing for NBL1 South club Knox Raiders, where he is averaging 10 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, Acuoth spent the 2021 season at Georgian Superliga club Mega Tbilisi.

“I feel Deng is a great fit for our front-court rotation,” Bruton said.

Acuoth has spent time in the NBL during his career and he feels he has learnt from those experiences.

“I’m thankful for coach for giving me this opportunity,” he said.

“I’m ready to come in and make an impact for Adelaide.”

Acuoth arrives in Adelaide this week to start pre-season, before heading to Tunisia for South Sudan’s next FIBA World Cup qualification phase against Senegal, Congo and Egypt.