In a thrilling pre-Olympic exhibition game, Team USA narrowly defeated South Sudan 101-100 in London, England. The underdog South Sudan team controlled the game for more than half of the match, even having a chance to win in the final moments. This historic game marked South Sudan’s first-ever appearance in the Olympics, a remarkable achievement for a nation that gained independence just 13 years ago.
A recent tweet by Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) captures the essence of South Sudan’s historic performance against Team USA at the Olympics:
Wenyen Gabriel on South Sudan’s first-ever game vs. Team USA: “We don’t have any indoor basketball courts in our country. We don’t have anything like that. We’re a bunch of refugees that came together for a few weeks out of the year… this is much bigger than basketball for us.”
Wenyen Gabriel on South Sudan's first-ever game vs. Team USA:
“We don't have any indoor basketball courts in our country. We don't have anything like that. We're a bunch of refugees that came together for a few weeks out of the year… this is much bigger than basketball for… pic.twitter.com/q4mggHj7xI
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 21, 2024
Gabriel’s words transcend the realm of sports, highlighting the powerful story of resilience and national pride embodied by the South Sudanese national team.
Wenyen Gabriel’s Perspective
Wenyen Gabriel, played a crucial role in the game, scoring 11 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and providing 3 assists. In a post-game interview, Gabriel shared heartfelt insights about what this matchup meant for his country. He emphasized the lack of indoor basketball courts in South Sudan, highlighting the challenges faced by a team of refugees who come together for a few weeks each year. For them, this game transcended mere basketball; it was about respect, unity, and showcasing their potential on a global stage.
Beyond the Court
Wenyen Gabriel’s words resonated deeply: “This is much bigger than basketball for us.” South Sudan aimed to prove that they could compete against some of the best players ever. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, they demonstrated resilience and determination. Gabriel also spoke about the stark contrast between opportunities available to young athletes in South Sudan and those in wealthier nations.
He recalled encountering a tall boy back in the village who couldn’t pursue basketball due to the lack of facilities. The game symbolized hope, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for South Sudanese basketbal.
