Thon Maker, the South Sudan native and former lottery pick in the NBA, is making headlines once again as he sets his sights on joining his home country’s national team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The seven-foot-tall player took to Twitter to announce his intentions, following South Sudan’s impressive performance in an exhibition game against Team USA.
The Bright Stars, led by Carlik Jones and Marial Shayok, almost pulled off a monumental upset against Team USA, holding a 16-point lead at halftime before ultimately falling short with a one-point loss (100-101). The game caught the attention of basketball fans worldwide, with many praising South Sudan’s resilience and talent on the court.
Despite their strong showing, South Sudan played without the likes of Thon Maker, who was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Maker’s potential addition to the national team adds even more excitement and anticipation for their future performances. Additionally, fans were disappointed to learn that Phoenix Suns fan favorite Bol Bol was not available to play due to personal reasons.
As Maker awaits FIBA’s final decision on his eligibility to represent South Sudan, basketball enthusiasts are eager to see what the talented big man can bring to the team. With Maker’s skill and experience, combined with the emerging talent of players like Jones and Shayok, South Sudan’s national team is poised to make a strong impression on the international basketball stage.
In the words of an enthusiastic South Sudan fan, “Thon Maker joining our national team would be a game-changer. His presence on the court would elevate our game to new heights and showcase the incredible talent that South Sudan has to offer.” As the anticipation grows, all eyes are on Maker and the Bright Stars as they aim to make a mark at the Paris Olympics.
