South Sudan: The men's basketball team that made history at the Olympics

South Sudan made history in the Paris Olympics after their men's basketball team snatched a remarkable victory against Puerto Rico, 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.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

"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'.

Men's Basketball: Group C - USA vs. South Sudan 31/07/2024

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!