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Forget the Windy City. Luol Denghas swapped the cold Chicago nights for the heat and heart of Africa. This retired NBA star isn't just basking in the afterglow of his stellar career; he's been the driving force behind South Sudan's historic journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rumor has it, Deng's been dipping into his own pockets, pouring funds into South Sudan's basketball program for nearly four years. And guess what? The dividends are paying off big time as the nation steps onto the Olympic stage for the first time.
In a nail-biting pre-Olympics exhibition, South Sudan nearly toppled the mighty Team USA, missing the upset by a single basket. That close call wasn't a fluke - it was a harbinger of what was to come.
Fast forward to the grand stage in Paris, and South Sudan stunned Puerto Rico in their opener, notching a 90-79 victory. This wasn't just a win; it was a seismic shift in the basketball world. The win set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Team USA.
Luol Deng: The unseen hero behind South Sudan's Olympic Basketball journey
Deng, who hung up his NBA jersey in 2019 after 16 seasons, has since been the backbone of South Sudan's basketball dreams. From practice facilities to hotel stays and plane tickets, Deng's personal checkbook has kept the team afloat.
"Kudos to Luol," head coach Royal Ivey said with a smile that could light up a stadium. "We wouldn't be here without him. We don't have the luxury of state-of-the-art facilities. Everything we have is because of Luol's dedication and generosity."
It's not every day you hear of such dedication. Sure, Team USA's water polo squad has rapper Flavor Flav as their financial savior and superfan, but Deng's commitment runs deeper. He's been at it for half a decade, not just a few months.
Under Deng's watchful eye (and deep pockets), South Sudan has emerged as one of the feel-good stories of the Olympics. As they gear up to face Team USA again on Wednesday, the world watches, inspired by their journey and the man who believed in their dream.