Luol Deng’s Journey: How a Two-Time NBA All-Star Led South Sudan to the Paris Olympics

African Basketball

As I reflect on the incredible journey of Luol Deng, a two-time NBA All-Star, I am reminded of the power of determination and perseverance. From his early days as a refugee to becoming the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Deng’s story is one of inspiration and triumph.

Deng’s journey began in 1985, when he was born in what was then known as Sudan. At the tender age of five, he fled the country with his family due to the civil war, eventually settling in Egypt. It was in Egypt that Deng first discovered his passion for basketball, thanks to his mentor, Manute Bol, a Sudanese refugee who played in the NBA.

Luol Deng

Fast-forward to 2012, when Deng represented Great Britain in the Olympics, as South Sudan had not yet gained independence. However, Deng’s heart remained with his home country, and he dreamed of one day leading South Sudan to the Olympics. That dream became a reality in 2019, when Deng accepted the role of president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.

The road to success was not without its challenges. Deng faced numerous obstacles, from a lack of infrastructure to inadequate funding. However, he was determined to build a successful team, and his vision was simple: to perform well in the African zone, qualify for the FIBA World Cup, and ultimately, make it to the Olympics.

Royal Ivey

Deng’s first move was to recruit his friend and former teammate, Royal Ivey, as the team’s coach. Ivey, who was then an assistant coach with the Nets, accepted the role despite the nonpaying job. Together, Deng and Ivey worked tirelessly to build a strong team, convincing players with South Sudan ties to forego opportunities to play for more established national teams and commit to the fledgling team.

The journey was not without its setbacks. In 2020, the team faced a major hurdle when four players, including Deng, tested positive for COVID-19, forcing them out of the African qualifying tournament. However, Deng’s perseverance paid off when a FIBA official called to inform him that Algeria was withdrawing from the AfroBasket qualifier, and South Sudan was invited to participate.

The rest, as they say, is history. South Sudan went on to qualify for the FIBA World Cup and eventually earned its Olympic bid with a thrilling 23-point win over Angola. For Deng, it was a moment of pure joy, and he celebrated with his team, chanting “Paris!” in unison.

South Sudan Team

As I reflect on Deng’s incredible journey, I am reminded of the power of sport to bring people together. In a war-torn country like South Sudan, basketball has become a beacon of hope, uniting the nation and inspiring a generation of young athletes. Deng’s vision extends beyond the basketball court, aiming to build a community that transcends basketball.

As South Sudan prepares to take the court in Paris, I am filled with a sense of pride and excitement. This is a team that has overcome incredible odds to achieve their dream, and I have no doubt that they will continue to inspire and unite their nation.

“We have an opportunity to really change the narrative of South Sudan,” says Deng. “But also to have a community that’s beyond basketball.”

“We have an opportunity to really change the narrative of South Sudan.”

Deng’s story is a testament to the human spirit, and I have no doubt that it will continue to inspire generations to come.