South Sudan impressive in Olympic basketball debut
South Sudan men’s basketball team brushed off all obstacles to get a historic first win in the Paris Games.
In the first battle from the Group Phase C, the world’s No. 33 ranked team shocked world’s No. 16 Puerto Rico by winning their first foray in Olympics men’s basketball 90-79 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on July 28.
Carlik Jones led the South Sudan in victory by tallying 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Marial Shayok added 15 markers.
The team overcame an 8-0 start from Puerto Rico and only managed to taste the first lead of the game in the 7:13 mark of the 3rd quarter of play when Noni Omot made a three-pointer to give them a two-point cushion 56-54.
From there, South Sudan never looked back and got their first ever Olympic win. The African nation qualified for the Paris Games after qualifying as Africa’s top finisher in last year’s world cup.
Anthem Blunder before game
Before the game began, an anthem blunder was made by the Paris Games organizers. They inadvertently played the neighboring Sudan’s anthem - and they later apologized for their mistake.
The nation of South Sudan has gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but violent clashes between the two nations continued to spark as the dispute over borders, natural resources and political power.
Before their win, the organizers inadvertently played the anthem of neighboring Sudan – and later apologized for the mistake.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but disputes over borders, natural resources and political power have continued to spark violent clashes between the two.
No indoor basketball courts
In South Sudan, there were no indoor basketball courts according to NBA All-Star Loul Deng, who’s also the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.
Deng was instrumental in putting the Bright Stars together to form the South Sudan men’s national basketball team.
He also said that South Sudan has some of the tallest people in the world. Height usually is always might in the game of basketball as it gives a huge advantage.However, the country lacks resources to even have an indoor basketball court.
Deng adds: “For all of us, it’s a journey that’s bigger than basketball. As a young kid myself, in the NBA, I knew that a lot of young South Sudanese kids and refugees around the world were following my story. Now, it’s even more incredible when you’re doing it as a group.
“What we’re accomplishing for the continent of Africa is a huge thing; sports can elevate and motivate a whole nation.”
With all the obstacles that South Sudan men’s basketball team have faced, can they even add more unexpected achievements including a medal in their first ever Olympic stint?
Only time will tell as they face off against powerhouse Team USA on July 30th.
With all the obstacles that South Sudan men’s basketball team have faced, can they even add more unexpected achievements including a medal in their first ever Olympic stint?
Only time will tell as they face off against powerhouse Team USA on July 30th.
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All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
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China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).