Paris 2024: South Sudan aim to bounce back against Serbia after USA heartbreak

South Sudan faces a significant challenge as they prepare to go head-to-head with Serbia in their upcoming Group C match at the Paris Olympic Games.

The encounter scheduled for 11 pm on Saturday will not just be a game but a momentous occasion for the Bright Stars aiming to carve out a place for themselves in Olympic history.

The journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable for South Sudan whose existence some people only acknowledged after their unexpected victory against Puerto Rico with a score of 90-79.

Prepare for an exhilarating Day 8 at the 2024 Paris Olympics packed with continuous action and thrilling competitions.

The Bright Stars are spearheaded by former NBA player Luol Deng now the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.

Under his leadership, the team has blossomed integrating players like Marial Shayok and Carlik Jones.

Particularly notable is Khaman Malouach a towering figure at 218cm whose skills were honed far from the glamour of professional sports, in a refugee camp in Uganda.

South Sudan's basketball team struggled against the USA in their second Paris Olympics match, facing a tough game from the start.

Serbia on the other hand is renowned for its robust basketball program and consistently produces world-class players who excel in international leagues, including the NBA.

Their team is disciplined, technically sound, and tactically proficient, qualities that they will undoubtedly bring to the fore against South Sudan.

For South Sudan, the strategy should be centered on leveraging their speed and agility to counteract the structured play of the Serbians.

South Sudan's basketball team faced an anthem mix-up at the Paris Olympics, sparking criticism from a key player over the error.

South Sudan’s players must also focus on their defensive game, as Serbia’s offensive strategies are both sophisticated and well-executed.

The physical presence of players like Malouach could be crucial in disrupting the Serbian shooting rhythm and securing essential rebounds.

Offensively, South Sudan will need to maximize their scoring opportunities.

Billions invested by the Los Angeles Lakers to re-sign LeBron James highlight their commitment to building another championship-caliber team.

Shayok and Jones both capable of impressive scoring runs will need to be at their best.

Their ability to break through Serbia’s defense could tilt the game in South Sudan’s favor provided they maintain consistency and composure throughout the match.

The psychological aspect of the game will also play a critical role and South Sudan’s recent emergence on the international scene could be a double-edged sword.

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