From World Cup dream to new team

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

"The whole country is really proud and to see how much it means to them is very special."

Photo: Tasmania JackJumpers Media

South Sudanese representatives Junior Madut and Majok Deng are officially back in training at the Tasmania JackJumpers, ahead of this week's Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz.

After a memorable FIBA World Cup campaign, the pair received a rousing reception upon their arrival back in Australia.

Madut only played five minutes and made one appearance across the tournament, but it was arguably the most memorable five minutes of his basketball career.

The 26-year-old says the opportunity to represent his country at the World Cup is something he'll always cherish.

“Probably the best fan experience I’ve ever had in my life. The whole country is really proud and to see how much it means to them is very special,” Madut told The Mercury.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">? The full squad were finally on the floor together today after Junior Madut, Majok Deng and Walter Brown returned from national duties at the World Cup! <a href="https://t.co/BqStEcO3nc">pic.twitter.com/BqStEcO3nc</a></p>— Tasmania JackJumpers ? (@JackJumpers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers/status/1701126930035060848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

South Sudan won three of its five games at the tournament, ensuring qualification for next year's Paris Olympics, as the best-performing African nation.

Now, Madut and Deng will shift their focus to a fresh start in the NBL, with the pair making the move from South East Melbourne and Cairns respectively.

“I’m really excited for the Blitz and that transition (back to the JackJumpers) has already begun,” Madut said.

“I’m trying to lock in and really focus on this season. I can’t wait to get out there and compete. We have been going at it (in training) for a while so it will be good to compete against someone else.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Madut checks back in after a whirlwind 6 weeks on the road with Majok Deng representing their home country, South Sudan ??<br><br>The pair played key roles in securing the nation’s first ever World Cup win and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/UuUmyswFRW">pic.twitter.com/UuUmyswFRW</a></p>— Tasmania JackJumpers ? (@JackJumpers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers/status/1701158649417355719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz tips off this Saturday, September 16 on the Gold Coast. The JackJumpers will face Madut’s former team, the Phoenix on opening night at 5pm AEST.

Fans can watch all Blitz action, live and free via Kayo Freebies.