'We are a group of refugees who meet a few times a year'

At the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, South Sudan were one of the biggest surprises. Not mainly because of their result given that they noted only one victory over China and were eliminated in the group stage, but because they showed a rarely-seen passion and fighting spirit.

At the Olympic Games 2024, where they are the only African representative, South Sudan are not a surprise anymore - they are a team ready to bravely cope with any team and fight for the win until the last minute. In their ultimate test before the Olympics, they barely beat the Dream Team, and then easily crushed Puerto Rico in the first round, noting the first men's basketball triumph of an African country at the Olympics ever since 1996.

And all this would be no wonder, if South Sudan weren't arguably the poorest country in the world, where the conditions for the Olympics preparations and basketball in general, were almost non-existent. Speaking to Marca, the Bright Stars' coach Royal Ivey revealed the situation concerning basketball in South Sudan.

"We didn't have the privilege of having a gym, a dormitory and other facilities. We went through a very tough training camp in Rwanda . Then we went to Spain, we travelled a lot, we travelled long distances. These are things that we experience and that people won't talk about," said the 42-year-old strategist.

It is no secret that former successful NBA player Luol Deng is in charge of South Sudanese basketball. The former Chicago Bulls forward invested himself completely and selflessly into improving the situation. His name, reputation, connections, even money - everything is subordinate to national teams' success. One of Deng's possible successors in the best basketball league in the world is Wenyen Gabriel, former Los Angeles Lakers center, who followed up on Ivey's statement.

"We are a group of refugees who meet a few times a year. In our country there are no indoor courts ," Gabriel added.

Luol Deng fires back at disrespectful NBA stars for offending South Sudan

Despite terrible conditions, the Bright Stars won widespread praise and admiration for their dedication and professionalism. The compliments and recognition came even from the USA coach, Steve Kerr.

"What they have done is beautiful. Luol Deng and his team have built a great team, they shoot great and play good basketball," said Kerr after his team barely beat South Sudan 101-100 in a friendly game.

Apart from enriching basketball, South Sudan are a perfect example that resilience and will power are stronger than any difficulty. Sometimes, your love for your homeland and respect for your people can make you forget everything and just push forward no matter what. These guys prove it day after day and no doubt they will continue. And if they can do it, there's no excuse for anyone else.