South Sudan's historic victory over Puerto Rico in the Olympic men's basketball competition has "united" the nation, according to forward Bul Kuol.
The Bright Stars, ranked 33rd in the world, kicked off their Group C campaign with a 90-79 win over the higher-ranked Puerto Rican team on Sunday. This triumph has sparked immense pride in South Sudan, marking their debut appearance on the Olympic stage.
“It brings us together," Kuol, 27, said after the game. "No matter which tribe you come from or what challenges you're facing—adversity, war, or anything else. It feels like every single tribe, every single town has been united."
Carlik Jones led South Sudan with 19 points, while Kuol contributed 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds.
“It’s a massive win for us at our first-ever Olympics," Kuol added. "To get it done in the first game sets the tone for what we’re trying to achieve."
Having spent part of his childhood in a refugee camp due to the civil war in South Sudan before moving from Kenya to Australia in 2006, Kuol sees the team’s success in Paris as a new, hopeful chapter for the nation.
“It’s a new beginning for all of us. The next generation now has a platform to build on," he said.
Veteran player Peter Jok also emphasized the positive impact of South Sudan's achievement. “It means everything," said Jok, 30. "That’s why we’re going to keep working hard, representing back home, and making everyone proud."
Jok, who plays for the Ottawa Blackjacks in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, was particularly pleased with the team's strategic execution, especially after losing to Puerto Rico at last year’s FIBA World Cup.
“We owed them," he said. "From the start, we were ready to go. I’m glad we got the win. Now we’ll celebrate and prepare for the USA in a couple of days.”
South Sudan will face the reigning Olympic champions, Team USA, on Wednesday before concluding Group C against Serbia on Saturday. A third-place finish in the group could be enough to advance to the quarter-finals.
With their first win secured, Kuol remains focused on advancing further. “Our goal is to make it to the second round. Today was a good step forward.”