(Photo credit score: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
South Sudan, making its first look in FIBA World Cup play, certified for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The staff, championed and largely funded by former NBA ahead Luol Deng, will symbolize Africa within the Olympics after its 101-78 win over Angola on Saturday.
Japan, which beat Cape Verde 80-71, additionally earned the suitable Saturday to symbolize Asia subsequent summer season.
Deng, born in Sudan, is the president of South Sudan Basketball. Royal Ivey, an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, coaches the staff.
South Sudan turned an unbiased nation in 2011.
“I’m speechless right now. To be quite honest, it’s so surreal. We’re going to the Olympics,” a teary Ivey informed reporters after the sport in Manila, Philippines. “This staff is a beam of sunshine. Like I carry on saying each postgame, we’re bringing unity, camaraderie, love and friendship to this nation.
He added: “This country has only been independent for 12 years. This is incredible. I take my hat off to my players because they trusted us from day one.”
South Sudan was led by Chicago Bulls guard Carlik Jones, who had 26 factors, seven rebounds and 15 assists towards Angola.
Playing in Okinawa in its house nation, Japan was led by Joshua Hawkinson, a former Washington State participant, who scored 29 factors and added seven rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Yuta Watanabe of the Phoenix Suns had 10 rebounds.
South Sudan and Japan be a part of host-team France and Australia within the 12-team Olympics subject. Still to be added are two groups from the Americas and two from Europe that may qualify by way of the World Cup. The remaining 4 groups will come from qualifying tournaments subsequent summer season.
–Field Level Media