Acuoth ready to make next step

Adelaide 36ers big man Deng Acuoth says the pride of playing for South Sudan next week will inspire the next generation of basketballers in his country.

Acuoth, who has played a key role in South Sudan’s 6-0 record so far in 2023 FIBA World Cup qualification, is focused on finishing off the job and booking his ticket to the Philippines next year.

“We need to win all these games and qualify for the World Cup,” Acuoth said.

The 6-0 record mean South Sudan only need to win two more matches to get to next year’s tournament with games against Senegal, Congo and Egypt to play next weekend in Tunisia.

“You always try and win every game, but to get those first two out of the way would be great,” Acuoth said.

“Our country is a young country and for us to get to the World Cup for the first time is going to be huge for us.

“Not just us and our families, the whole country, it’s going to be special.”

Acuoth said the game against Egypt on August 29 is going to be a huge rivalry and the team will be ready to go for that battle.

“Egypt are our neighbours. A lot of us grew up in Egypt, lived in Egypt, were mistreated by Egyptians, so it’s Egypt for sure,” Acuoth said.

For more corporate seating and hospitality packages, click HERE.

Click HERE for the full NBL23 schedule.

NBL23 memberships are now available, please find more information HERE.

South Sudan will be bolstered by the addition of former NBL big man Jo Lual-Acuil for the three games next week.

“We are going to have a few new guys coming in which will be great,” Acuoth said.

“We are a pretty young team and I feel like adding more experience is going to take us to the next level.”