South Sudan Shines in Olympic Basketball Debut

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — South Sudan has made a remarkable entrance into Olympic men’s basketball, securing a 90-79 victory over Puerto Rico in their inaugural game. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the African nation, which has been striving to establish itself on the international sports stage. The match, held in Lille, showcased South Sudan's potential, as they previously came close to an upset in an exhibition game against the same opponent. Head coach Royal Ivey, who has been at the helm since 2021, has played a pivotal role in the team's development. A former NBA player with a decade of experience, Ivey currently serves as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding South Sudan's players, many of whom have NBA backgrounds, including Wenyen Gabriel and Carlik Jones. However, the game was not without its hiccups. A mix-up occurred during the pre-game ceremony when the wrong national anthem was played for South Sudan. The confusion lasted for 20 seconds, leading to a moment of bewilderment among players and fans alike, before the error was rectified. The incident drew boos from the crowd, but ultimately, the South Sudanese players stood united, demonstrating their resilience. As South Sudan continues its Olympic journey, the team’s blend of talent and determination is evident, promising an exciting future for the nation in international basketball.