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5 sleepers to watch at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

By Holden Walter-Warner

Clarkson playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Clarkson playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) /
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DIAMNIADIO, SENEGAL – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Luol Deng (L) of South Sudan is seen during FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers group B basketball match between Tunisia and South Sudan at Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, Senegal on February 26, 2022. (Photo by Nacer Talel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
DIAMNIADIO, SENEGAL – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Luol Deng (L) of South Sudan is seen during FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers group B basketball match between Tunisia and South Sudan at Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, Senegal on February 26, 2022. (Photo by Nacer Talel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

2. South Sudan

South Sudan has been a member of FIBA for a decade, with very few appearances in FIBA competitons. They’ll be making their debut in the FIBA World Cup this summer.

The track record of the Bright Stars is minimal. The country made its first FIBA AfroBasket appearance in 2021, where it managed to make it to the quarterfinals. South Sudan left that tournament with a winning record.

This team went on a crazy run in the World Cup qualifiers, winning 11 of their 12 games to qualify for this summer’s tournament. A team that can get on that kind of heater is always fun to watch.

There aren’t a ton of names American basketball fans would recognize. Perhaps the most recognizable name is Nuni Omot, who finished his collegiate career at Baylor and has had a few stints in the G League. The wing became the first African player to win the BAL MVP award this year and has since signed to continue his professional career in Taiwan.

The other figure that NBA fans would recognize? The head coach: Luol Deng. The Chicago Bulls legend has been instrumental in building up the basketball infrastructure in South Sudan and now will look to inspire his team to make an impact on the global stage, just as he did during his playing career.

Will the lights burn too bright for South Sudan? Maybe. Their group is not easy. While it’s not super elite, either, they’ll have to deal with Puerto Rico, China, and Serbia.

South Sudan didn’t gain independence as a nation until 2011. The fact that it can now compete at the international level is nothing short of impressive.