In a remarkable display of philanthropy and patriotism, former NBA star Luol Deng has been personally funding South Sudan’s national basketball program for the past four years.
Deng has covered all expenses, from gym rentals and hotel accommodations to travel costs. This remarkable act of generosity was highlighted in a tweet by NBACentral, quoting Royal Ivey:
“Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets—everything. Kudos to Luol and the staff. We wouldn’t have been able to put this team together without them.”
Luol Deng has been funding South Sudan's national basketball program out of his own pocket for four years, per Royal Ivey
“Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets—everything. Kudos to Luol and the… pic.twitter.com/AeN0x9tDD4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 29, 2024
Luol Deng: A Visionary Leader
Luol Deng, a former NBA All-Star, has always been passionate about giving back to his roots. Born in what is now South Sudan, Deng’s journey from a war-torn country to the heights of professional basketball is nothing short of extraordinary. His vision for South Sudan’s basketball program goes beyond just playing the game; it’s about building a legacy and providing opportunities for young athletes in his homeland.
Funding the Dream
For four years, Deng has been the financial backbone of South Sudan’s national basketball team. His contributions have been pivotal in ensuring that the team has access to the necessary facilities and resources. According to Royal Ivey, the head coach of the South Sudanese team, Deng’s funding covers everything from gym rentals to travel expenses. This level of commitment is rare and speaks volumes about Deng’s dedication to the cause.
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