South Sudan Basketball Team Wins Olympic Debut

The South Sudan men’s basketball team has made a historic debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, achieving their first Olympic victory by defeating Puerto Rico 90-79. Player Peter Jok expressed the significance of this moment for him and his country, as they prepare to face the USA next, a team they narrowly lost to in a previous match. Among the standout players is 17-year-old Khaman Maluach, a promising NBA Draft prospect who stands at 7 feet 2 inches tall and transitioned from a refugee background in Uganda to representing South Sudan. Royal Ivey, a former Oklahoma City Thunder coach, is leading the South Sudan team and has embraced the opportunity to contribute to their journey. The team's success is celebrated not just as a sporting achievement but as a beacon of hope for a nation with a tumultuous past. As they continue in the tournament, the South Sudan team exemplifies resilience and determination amidst their challenging history.