South Sudan continue their inspirational journey against LeBron James and Team USA

South Sudan continues their historic journey at the Olympic Games as they take on the mighty Team USA, with LeBron James and co in their second game in the group phase.

The African first-timers gave Team USA a scare in the exhibition matches before the Games, having only lost 101-100 after being up 16 points up at one point in the game.

LeBron James saved Team USA on that day, scoring a late winner to seal the victory, and 'The King' will have to be at his formidable best to help USA clinch a second win in the tournament.

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The African nation made history in the Paris Olympics after their men's basketball team snatched a remarkable victory against Puerto Rico in their opening game, a victory that has "united" the nation with dreams and aspirations in the world of basketball, according to forward Bul Kuol.

Labeled as 'The Bright Stars', the team coached by Royal Terence Ivey, sealed their first-ever Olympic victory in their history as a nation, with a 90-79 final score. The former NBA player has assembled a team of ballers!

"The result has been a huge source of pride for the world's newest nation - on what was the team's first appearance on the Olympic stage," reports the BBC.

"It brings us together. No matter what tribe you're from or what you're facing - adversity, the war, or whatever. It's like every single tribe, every single town has been united," shared Carlik Jones during an interview after the game.

Carlik Jones was the star in the paint. He led South Sudan's scoring spree with 19 points. Teammate Bul Kuol added 12 points of his own, with three assists and three rebounds, according to ESPN.

Many players in the squad have endured the hardships of war themselves, a civil conflict that erupted in 2013 and still extends to today. Their tough character is present on the court, and they fight for those points like no other.

Kuol himself spent part of his childhood growing up in a refugee camp before moving from Kenya to Australia in 2006 (he was 9 years old), according to the BBC.

"It's a new beginning for all of us. The next generation now has a platform to grow on - and this is it right here," shared Kuol during an interview.

It seems both team and coach are on the same page and are showing their teeth in their group C. Will they be able to keep their momentum ahead of their big game against the US 'Dream Team'?

"Keep it going, Everything's been surreal my whole life. I've been an overachiever in life. People told me, no, you couldn't do this. You're not quick enough, you are not smart enough, you are not fast enough... And I continue to prove people wrong, that is the story," shared coach Ivery, who truly believes in his group of 'underdogs'.

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