Vanessa Richardson (DR) / NBA (DR)
By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
The South Sudanese basketball team, although underdogs at these Olympics, has attracted a lot of attention. However, its journey would not have been possible without the crucial help of a former NBA player, as coach Royal Ivey has confided.
As crazy as it may seem, South Sudan has a real chance of making it out of the group stages. Having won their first game against Puerto Rico, the teammates of former NBAer Wenyen Gabriel can hope to qualify among the best third places. Not bad at all for a small nation that must face the ogres that are Serbia and especially Team USA within its own group.
Even with an early exit, Royal Ivey’s men have established themselves as one of the greatest stories of these Olympic Games, and in their own words, they are “just a bunch of refugees”Behind this phenomenon is notably a former member of the big league: Luol Deng, who notably played for Chicago and the Lakers and to whom South Sudan owes everything according to its coach.
Luol Deng’s Huge Gesture for South Sudan
Luol Deng has been funding South Sudan’s national basketball program out of his own pocket for four years, per Royal Ivey
“Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets—everything. Kudos to Luol and the… pic.twitter.com/AeN0x9tDD4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 29, 2024
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Luol Deng has been funding this project for four years out of his own pocket. He paid for the gyms, the hotels, the plane tickets, everything. Kudos to Luol and the staff. We couldn’t have put this team together without them.
Having earned over $136 million during his NBA career, the former British player is now doing everything he can to help the country he is from.
Thanks to its financial support, the South Sudanese selection was therefore able to afford to play a preparation phase in complete peace and to approach the Olympic Games in the best possible conditions, without worrying about the wallet. A dedication that commands respect, including that of a certain Gilbert Arenas while The former leader had caused outrage with his xenophobic remarks on the team in question.
Gilbert Arenas shows love to South Sudan and Luol Deng pic.twitter.com/9j4MgREqiD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2024
Luol Deng ????????????????
South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng has spent lavishly to ensure the national team shines at the Olympics. And after just one game, the mission seems to have been accomplished for the former winger. Hats off!
2024-07-30 19:38:14
#NBA #Players #Madness #South #Sudan #Paid
