NBL stars shine bright in World Cup Qualifiers

Fresh off powering South Sudan to victory against Guinea, Tasmania's Majok Deng has made it a weekend to remember for the Bright Stars.

Deng's side backed it up with wins against Nigeria (82-79) and Tunisia (79-75), to edge closer to FIBA World Cup Qualification.

The forward performed particularly strongly in the African Qualifier against Tunisia at Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès, Radès, tallying 16 points (including 3 triples), 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block.

Joining Deng in the Bright Stars were former NBL talents Mangok Mathiang and Jackson Makoi.

Staying in Africa, former Melbourne United guard Caleb Agada lined up for Nigeria across the weekend and averaged 17.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Shifting to the Asia Qualifiers in the Philippines, and New Zealand, headlined by eight current NBL stars, chalked up crucial wins over Iran and Syria.

The standouts for the Tall Blacks were Melbourne's Shea Ili (24 points and 6 assists against Iran) and Adelaide's Flynn Cameron (21 points, 4 boards and 3 steals against Syria).

These Qualifiers in Manila marked the return to international hoops for former 36er Kai Sotto.

The big man first posted an incredible 18 points and 14 rebounds in his country's 82-81 overtime win over Jordan.

He backed it up with another double-double (13 points and 16 boards) in the Philippines' 68-56 victory against Iran.

Elsewhere, former United guard Yudai Baba (2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 dimes and 2 steals) helped Japan down Saudi Arabia 106-78.

Baba's side next face Qatar at 8.10pm AEST in Tokyo.

Korea, headlined by former Illawarra Hawk Hyunjung Lee, lost 93-74 in their Qualifier, but will look to respond on Monday against Saudi Arabia.

Moving to the Americas, former Taipan Pedro Bradshaw (4 points, 2 dimes and 1 board) helped the United States edge Chile 89-71.

Next up for Team USA are Colombia on AEST in Washington.

Despite the solid play of former Sydney Kings Tim Soares and Didi Louzada, Brazil lost 94-90 to the Dominican Republic.

Brazil, who are now 6-1 in their Qualifying, face Mexico on Tuesday SEST in Zacatecas City.

Finally, in Europe, former Cairns NBL Next Star Bobi Klintman helped Sweden split their matches with Finland (won 86-81) and France (lost 84-69).

Sweden are now 4-4 in Qualifying and sit in equal third, alongside Slovenia, in Group L.