September 2nd, 2023, will be etched in history as a momentous day for the young nation of South Sudan.
In less than a decade since the inception of its basketball federation, South Sudan clinched the sole Paris 2024 qualifying spot for Africa during the FIBA World Cup 2023.
Carlik Jones, a guard for the Chicago Bulls, achieved his third double-double of the tournament, scoring 26 points and delivering 15 assists. His stellar performance led the World Cup debutants to a resounding 101-78 victory over Angola at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila.
This victory left Egypt with the daunting task of defeating New Zealand by a margin of 23 points or more, in a simultaneous game at the Mall of Asia Arena. However, the Tall Blacks took command in the second quarter and, despite a late comeback attempt, secured an 88-86 win.
These results guaranteed South Sudan the highest finish of any African team in the tournament and, most significantly, secured their place in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Nuni Omot, a forward who contributed 17 points, expressed his elation after the game, stating, “It’s unbelievable, it’s a dream come true. We became an independent country in 2011. Everything that’s happened in these last couple of years… No one ever imagined or dreamed of being in this position. Now we’re going to have the chance to walk across the Olympic stage with our flag. I’m so emotional right now. I’m just very blessed to be a part of it.”
This achievement marks a remarkable milestone in South Sudan’s journey in international basketball and brings pride and hope to a young nation on the global sporting stage.
