South Sudanese NBL stars to make history

Four NBL-rostered players are set to make history in Paris, lining up in South Sudan’s first ever Olympic basketball campaign. 

Bul Kuol (Sydney Kings), Jackson Makoi (Cairns Taipans), Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers) and Sunday Dech (Adelaide 36ers) have been named in the Bright Stars’ 12-man squad.

South Sudan will take on Puerto Rico, Serbia and a team they went agonisingly close to recording an incredible upset against this week, the USA, in the group stage. 

“I look forward to playing in the Olympics,” JackJumpers championship star Deng said. 

“We are in a really tough pool, but I back my brothers 100 per cent. We are going to do everything possible to make the country proud, no matter who we play.”

"(I’m) so happy for Majok on making his national team. All his hard work has paid off, which is a credit to him and his family,” Tasmania coach Scott Roth added.

The South Sudan Basketball Federation was established in 2011 and became a member of FIBA in 2013, continuing their incredible rise with an appearance at last year’s FIBA World Cup, and now the Paris Olympics.

The Bright Stars will be in action on Sunday at 11am AEST against Puerto Rico. 

South Sudan schedule

South Sudan v Puerto Rico
Sunday, July 28 - 7pm AEST

United States v South Sudan
Thursday, August 1 - 5am AEST

Serbia v South Sudan
Sunday, August 4 - 5am AEST

South Sudan squad

Bul Kuol (Sydney Kings)
Jackson Makoi (Cairns Taipans)
Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Sunday Dech (Adelaide 36ers)
Carlik Jones
Khaman Maluach
Kuany Kuany
JT Thor
Marial Shayok
Nuni Omot
Peter Jok
Wenyen Gabriel