In a world where sports often highlight individual achievements, the most impactful stories sometimes go untold. After almost beating the USA during last week’s exhibition game, South Sudan has now created history at the Paris Olympics. A secret gesture by assistant coach Luol Deng, now brought to light, not only underscores the sacrifice within the team but also earned NBA legend Dwyane Wade‘s respect for his former teammate.

Royal Ivey, the head coach of South Sudan, disclosed that Luol Deng had been privately funding the national basketball program for the past four years. This didn’t go unnoticed, as Dwyane Wade publicly expressed his admiration for Deng during a recent telecast, acknowledging the philanthropic efforts of Deng towards South Sudan’s national basketball team. “The realest! Much respect my brother! We see you”, wrote Wade on X.

Luol Deng also serves as the president of the South Sudanese Basketball Federation. He personally funded the team’s expenses, including gym rentals, hotel stays, plane tickets, and other logistics. His financial support ensured the team’s survival and progress. Deng’s dedication to the team extends beyond just financial support. He has leveraged his basketball connections to bring talent to the country. His vision and commitment made the team qualify for the 2024 Olympics, a monumental achievement for the young nation.

South Sudan’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics is nothing more than inspirational. The ‘Bright Stars’ paved their way into the Olympics by emerging as Africa’s top-performing team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. In their Olympic debut, South Sudan made history with a decisive 90-79 victory over Puerto Rico. This win was led by star player Carlik Jones, who scored 19 points and helped turn a close game into a comfortable finish.

South Sudan Makes History at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Wenyen Gabriel, a key player for the team, stated, “It’s a unifying moment. We’re all united through basketball right now and it’s proof of what sport can do for a country.” This victory has given South Sudan a fighting chance in Group C, which includes formidable opponents like the U.S. and Serbia. Their next game against Team USA is highly anticipated, especially after their competitive exhibition game earlier in July.

South Sudan’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics and their historic win over Puerto Rico showcases the resilience of the team. With Luol Deng’s unwavering support, the team has overcome many challenges, making their story a testament to resilience and dedication. As they face top opponents, their inspiring journey continues to bring hope to the people of South Sudan. Follow their journey and witness history in the making!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.