South Sudan a future "powerhouse" of basketball

Sunday, July 28, 2024

The future is certainly bright for the world’s youngest nation.

Three-time Olympian Andrew Bogut has declared South Sudan a future "powerhouse" of international basketball.

With a fairytale rise of their national team program, the Bright Stars are set to make their first appearance at the Olympics, just 13 years after South Sudan became an independent state.

Taking Team USA to the limit earlier this week and forcing LeBron James to close out the 101-100 clash – the future is certainly bright for the world’s youngest nation.

"I love their story, I love everything they’re about. They are fun to watch ... I'm supporting them as my second favourite team,” Bogut said on The Gold Standard podcast.

"It’s great for the NBL, great for that country and they’re going to be a powerhouse in a decade. Mark my words."

Among South Sudan's squad, four NBL players, Adelaide's Sunday Dech, Sydney’s Bul Kuol, Cairns’ Jackson Makoi and Tasmania’s Majok Deng.

"The length and athleticism that they have now built in, starting to get some good coaching in that country. Going to the NBA, NBL to get that squad together ... I’m looking forward to seeing their journey in the next 10 years," Bogut added.

Bogut highlighted 17-tear-old Khaman Maluach, who at 7’1”, will be the future of the program – considered a potential top-10 pick in next season’s NBA draft.

South Sudan will start their Olympic journey on Sunday, July 28 from 7pm AEST against Puerto Rico.