South Sudan has made history once more.
In just its first FIBA World Cup appearance, South Sudan has achieved its goal of directly qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Coming into its final match of the tournament, South Sudan had one goal in mind: win big. And that’s exactly what the FIBA World Cub debutant did versus Angola as it defeated its fellow African nation, 101-78.
NBA G League MVP Carlik Jones led the way once more for South Sudan with 26 points and 15 assists, while Marial Shayok and Nuni Omot added 18 and 17 points, respectively.
“It's amazing. Again, the fact that we got to have our destiny in our control and control the things we could and come out here and get a win as much as possible, I think we put ourselves in a good position,” said Shayok.
While South Sudan's qualification to the Olympics wasn’t official until the end of the New Zealand-Egypt game, the small, conflict-ridden nation playing for more than just basketball had its spot pretty much sealed given its huge point differential over Egypt.
In the end though, South Sudan didn’t need the point differential with Egypt falling short to New Zealand, 88-86. That's what controling things you can control means.
Still, the feeling of playing in the Olympics seems too surreal for South Sudan's players at the moment.
“I don't think it has really sunk in that we have an opportunity to play in the Olympics," Shayok admitted. "Once that does sink in, I think that'll be pretty cool."
South Sudan, who is ranked 62nd in the FIBA world rankings, has definitely impressed fans across the globe with its play.
Now, it is set to make its debut as well in the Olympics come 2024. That has got to feel good for South Sudan, as this accomplishment was certainly well-earned.
(MDB)