The South Sudan men’s basketball team is set to make their Olympic debut, with a chance to face Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The rapid ascent of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, a testament to the nation’s growth since gaining independence in 2011, is a heartwarming story of this year’s Olympics, thanks in part to former NBA star Luol Deng, who serves as the club’s president and assistant coach.
After an impressive international debut at the 2023 World Cup, the South Sudan men’s basketball team secured their spot in the Olympics. Will they make a splash in their first appearance in Paris? Let’s take a closer look at the South Sudan men’s basketball team.
MORE: Updated medal odds to beat USA at the 2024 Olympics
South Sudan basketball roster at 2024 Olympics
The South Sudan men’s basketball team boasts NBA-experienced players like Carlik Jones and Wenyen Gabriel. JT Thor, who spent three seasons with Charlotte, is also part of the 15-man roster.
With Gabriel having played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Jones for the Chicago Bulls, the team’s roster is rounded out by international players.
Here’s a look at the 12-man roster:
| NO. | POS | NAME | HT | TEAM | LEAGUE |
| 0 | SG | Junior Madut | 6-6 | Tasmania JackJumpers | NBL (Australia) |
| 1 | SF | Nuni Omot | 6-9 | Taichung Suns | T1 League (China) |
South Sudan basketball coaches
Head coach Royal Ivey, an 11-season NBA veteran and current assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, leads the South Sudan team. Luol Deng, with 16 NBA seasons under his belt, serves as an assistant coach.
Is Bol Bol on the South Sudan roster?
Phoenix forward Bol Bol, son of Sudanese basketball legend Manute Bol, was part of the South Sudan training roster but will not compete in the 2024 Olympics.
How South Sudan reached the Olympics
South Sudan’s impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup secured their spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics. They finished 3-2, earning them the automatic Africa berth.
South Sudan Olympic basketball schedule
South Sudan is placed in Pool C for the men’s basketball tournament, alongside teams like Serbia, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
South Sudan’s pool schedule
- Sunday, July 28: vs. Puerto Rico (11 a.m. ET)
- Wednesday, July 31: vs. United States (9 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, Aug. 3: vs. Serbia (9 p.m. ET)
History of Africa basketball teams in the Olympics
A look at the performances of FIBA Africa teams in men’s basketball at the Olympics, showcasing Egypt’s top-10 finish and Angola’s multiple wins.