Bright Stars keep writing history

The South Sudan Bright Stars are known for consistently breaking records and creating history. Participation in the FIBA World Cup is yet another momentous occasion for the team and the nation as a whole. South Sudan became the first East African team to compete in the FIBA World Cup in August 2023. Moreover, the first African team to qualify and compete on their first attempt.

The 12-man squad faced Puerto Rico in the country’s first World Cup game. In a unique and outstanding performance, the team lost to Puerto Rico in the last 5 minutes of overtime.

While off to a rocky start, the team made a comeback and secured the first win vs China. Carlik Jones stood out as TCL Player of the game and top scorer while Khaman Maluach debuted as the youngest player in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at only sixteen years old.

In the country's debut World Cup game, the SSD squad met Puerto Rico. While defeated by Puerto Rico in the final 5 minutes of overtime, the team gave the world its best performance yet and an unforgettable debut. Despite a shaky start, the team rallied and secured its first WC win against China. Carlik Jones was named TCL Player of the Game and top scorer, while Khaman Maluach debuted as the youngest player at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and third youngest in the competition’s history dating back to 1950s.

In the final game of the group stage against Serbia, the bright stars fought until the final minute but ultimately succumbed to Serbia's pressure. The Serbian team is a consistent World Cup contender, ranked as sixth best in the world at the time and have won the World Cup twice in the competition's history. To compete against one of the world's best was, at the very least, a cause for celebration regardless of the outcome.

South Sudan would face the Philippines and Angola for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics following loss in the group stage. The two games would further determine 17-32 finishing place in the World Cup, in addition to the #1 team in Africa.

Carlik Jones received TCL player of the game in both matches during the qualification round, and had 15 assists vs Angola, tying a record with Toni Kukoc as the second player with 10 or more assists in three games of a single World Cup.

The team concluded the 2023 FIBA World Cup by qualifying for the 2024 Olympics and becoming Africa's number one team.