South Sudan looks to set the tone in its first FIBA World Cup appearance. The No. 62-ranked team went into its first-ever African Qualifiers as the country (founded in 2011) and joined FIBA in 2013. Under NBA legend coach Luol Deng’s leadership, the young squad enters the World Cup eager to make South Sudan a household name.
- Wenyen Gabriel (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Carlik Jones (Chicago Bulls)
Coach: Luol Deng
What to Watch
South Sudan’s Nuni Omot made his mark in the 2023 Basketball Africa League season, leading Al Ahly to a championship and earning the Hakeem Olajuwon trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the championship. Omot averaged 18.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg in the 2023 BAL season and will prove to be a serious threat entering the World Cup as South Sudan opens Group B’s matchups against Puerto Rico.
Group Play Schedule
- Aug. 26: South Sudan vs. Puerto Rico (4 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 28: South Sudan vs. China (4 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 30: South Sudan vs. Serbia (4 a.m. ET)
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