South Sudan power forward Wenyen Gabriel has relished his team’s recent performance against Team USA’s men’s basketball during the nail-biting pre-Olympic game, which ended 101-100 in favor of the USA.
South Sudan kept the Americans on their toes, forging ahead to cause an upset until the final seconds of the game when LeBron James’ last throw sank into the basket to save the USA from the East Africans’ threat.
Also Read: Basketball: USA Survives South Sudan Scare, Win 101-100 In Pre-Olympic Showdown
Reflecting on his team’s remarkable journey and near-victory against Team USA, Gabriel, as reported by Fadeaway World, disclosed that his team fought hard during the game despite the low sporting infrastructure in their country.
“I’m just happy we were able to represent our country. A lot of people around the world didn’t know what South Sudan was. Today, we were able to represent our country with pride. We put up a good fight and showed them the potential of our country,” Gabriel expressed with delight.
“I think it was a proud moment for a lot of people. Obviously, we wanted to win. We played really well today. I’m really proud of my teammates. The type of heart and dedication we showed was remarkable.
“Trying to put respect on our name and get our country respected. To know that we don’t have any indoor basketball courts in our country. We don’t have anything like that. We’re a bunch of refugees that came together for a few weeks out of the year to try our best, playing against some of the best players ever,” he said.
The power forward, who grew up in the USA, mentioned that his team consists of players who have traveled abroad, gaining exposure and technical abilities, but he expressed concerns about improving opportunities for young people in his country.
“Me growing up in the States, a lot of us growing up in Australia, some people growing up in Canada. Just having those different opportunities is what made us able to compete at this level. There’s some tall kid back in the village,” he said.
“I remember I went back home to South Sudan to visit them, and they didn’t have any opportunities. Seven feet tall, and they’re herding cows. Some people around the world don’t have the opportunity to play basketball for a living, you know, to go shoot hoops.
“Some people have to go fish for food, you know, you have to herd cows. You gotta do different things just to survive. So I think today was an example, and it was also something to bring us together. We’ve been a war-torn country,” he added.
By Dotun Omisakin
