(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Can South Sudan Rise to the Top of African Basketball?
JUBA, South Sudan — The Bright Stars of South Sudan have quickly become one of the most exciting stories in African and global basketball. As the youngest nation ever to qualify for both the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, South Sudan is now setting its sights on AfroBasket 2025 in Angola, taking place from August 12 to 24.
Currently ranked No. 1 in Africa and 23rd in the world (FIBA World Ranking powered by Nike), South Sudan’s rise has captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere. The big question now is: Can they become the kings of African basketball?
A Journey of Resilience
South Sudan qualified for AfroBasket 2025 with a solid 4-2 record in the qualifiers, defeating teams like Morocco (twice), Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While they also suffered narrow losses to DR Congo and Mali, the team’s ability to bounce back showcased their growth, skill, and determination.
AfroBasket Background
The Bright Stars made their AfroBasket debut in 2021, earning group-stage victories over Cameroon and Uganda, and advancing to the quarterfinals after a playoff win over Kenya. Their run ended with a loss to eventual champions Tunisia, but it marked the beginning of a promising basketball journey.
Led by Luol Deng
Much of South Sudan’s success can be credited to Luol Deng, a former NBA All-Star and current President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation. Deng has played a pivotal role in the team’s development—previously even coaching during the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers, where South Sudan earned its first-ever AfroBasket appearance with a 3-3 record.
Under his leadership, the team now looks stronger than ever, finishing 4-2 in the 2025 qualifying round.
Players to Watch
Nuni Omot
Omot was a key figure in the qualifiers, putting up 17 points in the opening win against Morocco. Although quieter in games against DR Congo and Mali (9 points each), Omot’s skill and experience will be vital at AfroBasket.
Lual Acuil
A force in the paint, Acuil averaged 14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and shot 58% inside the arc. His physicality and ability to finish at the rim will be critical to South Sudan’s success.
Wenyen Gabriel
Known for his shot-blocking, former NBA player Wenyen Gabriel brings international experience from the 2023 FIBA World Cup and Paris Olympics. He recorded a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds) against DR Congo and remains one of South Sudan’s most dependable stars.
The Road Ahead
With an impressive track record, young talent, and experienced leadership, South Sudan is no longer just an underdog—they’re a top contender. All eyes will be on them in Angola to see if they can achieve their biggest goal yet: winning AfroBasket 2025 and claiming their place as Africa’s basketball champions.
