Bright Stars ready for World Cup bow

There will be a strong NBL stamp on a history-making moment at the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The moment when South Sudan takes to the tournament floor for the first time in its history.

Adelaide’s Sunday Dech is a key cog in the 20-man squad that is attending the nation’s training camp prior to its games in the Boomers vs World series of warm-up games, in which the world’s youngest recognised nation will clash with Australia, Venezuela and Brazil.

Dech will take to the floor with fellow NBL stars Majok Deng, Deng Deng and Bul Kuol at the tournament, while Jackson Makoi and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr will, unfortunately, be missing through injury.

He had previously represented the Boomers before switching his allegiance to the Bright Stars last year, and Dech says the upcoming World Cup could be a highlight of his career.

“It’s an honour to represent my country. A country we left 22 years ago – to go back and represent them is going to be awesome,” Dech told 36ers Media.

“And for it to be the inaugural World Cup for us, I’m really looking forward to it, and I get to play alongside some of my friends as well.

“Every step and every game we play from now on, we are making history. We are riding our own journey and it’s one we are really proud of.

“To have the whole country backing us each game is phenomenal. We have got such tremendous support from throughout the world.”

South Sudan will face Puerto Rico, China and Serbia in the group stage of the World Cup.