2023 - The year South Sudan took over African basketball
When FIBA updated its World Ranking in September 2023, it was a confirmation of what was a remarkable year for South Sudan who climbed incredible 32 spots in the rankings to become the No.1 team in Africa.
ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Tipped for basketball success, mainly due to its people's unique physique and athleticism, 2023 has become the year that South Sudan finally took over basketball on the continent of Africa.
The newest African country in the second largest continent came a long way to be in the leading basketball position they currently are, a success that required commitment, tenacity and self-belief.
From trailing the likes of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda in the East region part of Africa to becoming the Number One team in Africa - according to the last FIBA World Ranking updated in September 2023 - The Bright Stars are unquestionably the new kings of African basketball.
And here's a look back at how South Sudan performed against African teams over the last twelve months.
February 24, 2023
WORLD CUP AFRICAN QUALIFIERS
South Sudan v Senegal (83-75)
- South Sudan became the first team in African basketball history to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in their first attempt.
- Nuni Omot came up with a man-of-the-match performance as South Sudan beat Senegal 83-75 and become the second African team - after Cote d'Ivoire - to qualify to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
February 25, 2023
WORLD CUP AFRICAN QUALIFIERS
South Sudan v DR Congo (82-61)
- It was South Sudan's second victory over DR Congo in the World Cup Qualifiers. In August 2022, in Monastir, Tunisia, the East African country saw off DR Congo 101-58.
February 26, 2023
WORLD CUP AFRICAN QUALIFIERS
South Sudan v Egypt (97-77)
- South Sudan closed their World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a significant 97-77 win over hosts Egypt in Alexandria. It was South Sudan's second win over the Pharaohs in the race to the World Cup.
September 2, 2023
WORLD CUP
South Sudan v Angola (101-78)
- There couldn't be a more significant win for South Sudan than closing their World Cup debut with the expressive 23-point win against eleven-time African champions Angola.
- The win over Angola confirmed South Sudan as the best-placed African team at the 2023 World Cup and automatic qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
September 15, 2023
FIBA World Ranking UPDATE (+32)
- When FIBA updated its World Ranking, sponsored by NIKE in September, it was a confirmation of what was a remarkable year for South Sudan who climbed incredible 32 spots in the rankings to become the Number One-ranked team in Africa, an unthinkable achievement a few years earlier. South Sudan now find themselves in 31st place in the world with 375.5 points.
In a recent interview with FIBA.basketball, South Sudan Basketball Federation chairman Luol Deng, said: "We're at a place where, when I said we had a chance to make the Olympics three years ago, that's insane. Nobody believed us. But we're here. I'm just grateful, and thankful, that we've reached this far so far."
Three former African champions - Angola, Egypt and Senegal - came up short against South Sudan in 2023. What's next?
FIBA