![President of South Sudan Basketball Association Luol Deng Wol. [Photo by sportando.basketball]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Loul-Deng.png?resize=1676%2C730&ssl=1)
Deng, who played for multiple NBA teams including the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, received all 12 votes cast by members of the federation. He will continue guiding the development of basketball in the young nation, which gained independence in 2011.
Arou Ramadan, who was the deputy secretary-general, was also elected unopposed as the new secretary-general, securing 11 votes.
He replaces Marier Anyuat Angui, who held the position until his suspension in July 2022. In another unanimous vote, Wal Paul Puk was elected as the new finance secretary, garnering 11 votes.
Deng’s re-election reflects his ongoing commitment to South Sudanese basketball. Since taking office in 2019, he has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at fostering talent, improving infrastructure, and boosting the national teams’ competitiveness.
Notably, South Sudan’s men’s team qualified for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, their first major foray onto the international stage.
While they ultimately fell short of reaching the World Cup itself, the experience offered valuable exposure and momentum for the program.
With his renewed mandate, Deng is expected to build upon these foundations and further refine the SSBF’s strategic direction.
Key challenges include securing funding, expanding grassroots development programs, and attracting talented South Sudanese players competing abroad to represent the national team.
