South Sudan native Thon Maker is hoping to join his home country’s national team for the Paris Olympics.
Former Lottery Pick Thon Maker Looking To Join South Sudan
Revealing his intentions on Twitter, the seven-footer’s news comes on the heels of South Sudan’s eye-opening exhibition game against Team USA.
Awaiting FIBA’s final decision Monday, fingers crossed my appeal to get cleared for me to play with South Sudan. Would be a dream come true.🙏🏿❤️ 🇸🇸 #SSD #Olympics
— Thon Maker ™ (@ThonMaker14) July 20, 2024
Maker’s expecting to get FIBA’s final decision on Monday.
South Sudan Is Turning Heads
Led by Carlik Jones and Marial Shayok, the Bright Stars nearly achieved a shocking upset against Team USA. After leading by 16 points at halftime, they lost by just one point (100-101). However, it took a vintage performance from four-time NBA MVP LeBron James to take them down.
It’s fair to say they put the world on notice.
They did so, of course, without the likes of Maker —the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. They didn’t have Phoenix Suns fan favorite Bol Bol either. Though the skilled big man was listed on their preliminary roster, he’s been scratched for person reasons.
Of course, they weren’t necessarily devoid of NBA talent.
Jones, Shayok, and Wenyen Gabriel have all played a handful of NBA games. That trio scored a combined 50 points, Shayok leading the way with 24 points and six triples. JT Thor, who played for the Charlotte Hornets for three seasons, added 14 points off the bench. Duke commit Khaman Maluach, who tallied seven points, is projected to be a lottery pick next year.
The Bright Stars are even coached by a former NBA guard in Royal Ivey. Ivey, now an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, was also South Sudan’s coach in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It was through this tournament that they qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Interestingly, South Sudan was placed in Group C with the U.S.A., Serbia, and Puerto Rico. They’ll face Team USA in the Paris Olympics on Jul. 31 in a matchup many will be looking forward to.
What Thon Maker Brings to South Sudan
If added to the roster, Maker’s ability to stretch the floor will undoubtedly be utilized by Ivey. In their matchup against Team USA, the Bright Stars relied heavily on the 3-ball. Last season, Maker made 38.8 percent of his 3s with the Fujian Sturgeons.
His length and shot-blocking instincts will also help South Sudan. Defensively, the Bright Stars are able to fly around with ease. However, aside from Maluach, they lack effective rim-protectors.
