South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation, only gaining its independence 12 years ago. Cape Verde is one of the world’s least-populated nations, with fewer residents than any country that qualified for the Basketball World Cup.
They were the two lowest-ranked nations in the 32-team field to begin the tournament, both countries getting to the World Cup for the first time. South Sudan is ranked 62nd worldwide by FIBA, the sport’s global governing body; Cape Verde is ranked 64th.
“I’m just blessed and honored to be a part of this,” South Sudan’s Nuni Omot said. “This journey so far, it’s just been an emotional and amazing feeling for me. And I know everyone else on the team feels the same way as well.” When Deng’s playing days were over, he became president of South Sudan’s fledgling basketball federation. If there is an indoor court anywhere in that country, Deng doesn’t know where it is. He believes the country doesn’t have a single regulation-sized floor.“Luol Deng is the heart and soul of all of this,” said South Sudan coach Royal Ivey, an assistant with the NBA’s Houston Rockets. “He’s the president. Without Luol I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. He had a great vision.
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