Dech leads South Sudan to FIBA World Cup qualification

Adelaide 36ers guard Sunday Dech played a key part as South Sudan completed their dream of qualifying 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Dech had seven points, nine rebounds and six assists in his 31 minutes on the court as South Sudan secured a 83-75 win over Senegal.

Fellow 36er Deng Acuoth played 10 minutes and had two boards and an assist.

South Sudan still have two matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt to come in this window.

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Adelaide 36ers guard Sunday Dech will lead South Sudan on their final mission to 2023 FIBA World Cup qualification this weekend in Egypt.

Dech is one of five NBL players in the South Sudan squad, which also includes 36ers big man Deng Acuoth, for three matches against Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt.

Led by acting coach and federation president Luol Deng, a two-time NBA All-Star, South Sudan has defied all the odds and marched through their World Cup 2023 African qualifying group, including two upsets against two-time defending Afrobasket champion Tunisia.

If South Sudan win any of their three matches, they’ll book their spot in this year's World Cup, jointly held in Japan, Philippines and Indonesia starting August 25.

South Sudan play Senegal on Friday, February 24, before facing Democratic Republic of Congo (February 25) and Egypt a day later (February 26).

Dech and Acuoth are joined in the squad with Taipans duo Bul Kuol and Majok Deng and Illawarra Hawks’ Deng Deng.

South Sudan currently leads its group halfway through the qualification period with eight wins and one loss from nine games.

The only loss South Sudan has suffered in this stage of qualifying was a three-point loss to Senegal in August.

The dream of South Sudan playing against the Australian Boomers on the world stage has already entered Dech’s mind.

“That was the first thing I thought of when I got the invite, got over there and started winning games,” Dech said.

“To play against a lot of my friends who will be on that team and that’s our second home as well.

“It would be awesome if that was to happen, and we will talk it into existence.”

There’s optimism if South Sudan qualifies for the World Cup, NBA players JT Thor, Wenyen Gabriel will play, and maybe even Manute Bol’s son, Bol Bol, who’s starring for the Orlando Magic.

It could even lead to qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.