Luol Deng, former NBA player and a leading figure in African basketball, has a journey that extends far beyond the confines of the court. Born in Sudan, Deng grew up between Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United States, a life marked by constant displacement but also by extraordinary resilience. His story is one of a child who became a refugee, then an NBA star, before dedicating himself fully to the development of his homeland, South Sudan, which he led to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Hollywood movie worthy journey
Born into a family of the Dinka ethnic group, Luol Deng was forced to flee the civil war in Sudan with his family when he was still a child. This escape first led them to Egypt, then to the Kakuma refugee camp in southern Kenya. Kakuma, a survival ground for over 70,000 refugees, was one of the first places where Deng began to forge his character, unknowingly preparing himself for a remarkable future.
The Deng family later found refuge in the United Kingdom, where Luol started to showcase his basketball talent. He represented the English national team in the under-16 and under-19 categories. His performances quickly put him in the spotlight, and he became one of the spokespeople for London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. This experience not only enriched his sporting journey but also strengthened his desire to see sport serve as a catalyst for social development.
A successful NBA career
In 2004, Luol Deng was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the 7th pick in the NBA draft, kicking off a professional career that would last over 15 years (the average NBA career spans 5-6 years). Deng also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, establishing himself as a versatile player, known for his solid defense and leadership on the court. His two NBA All-Star selections (2012, 2013) reflect his impact on the league.
estate ventures. This financial prudence allowed him, once he retired from playing, to focus on philanthropic projects, particularly in South Sudan. In 2011, the average NBA player salary was $5.15 million, but Deng’s salary exceeded $12 million. By the time he retired, his fortune was estimated at around $153 million.
The return and commitment to South Sudan
After retiring in 2019, Luol Deng assumed the presidency of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, a role that allowed him to realize his dream of seeing his homeland rise on the global sports stage. He used part of his personal fortune to fund the construction of sports infrastructure, organize tournaments, and develop young talent. His commitment bore fruit in 2023 when the South Sudan national basketball team qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a historic first for the country, and the team is determined to make a strong showing.
But Deng’s commitment goes beyond basketball. In 2016, he accepted an invitation from rookie Adut Bulgak, another South Sudanese refugee, to attend a WNBA game. This symbolic gesture demonstrates his ongoing support for the South Sudanese diaspora and his desire to see refugees and displaced people thrive through sports.
A National, Continental, and International Hero
Today, Luol Deng is much more than a former NBA player. He is a symbol of hope and resilience for millions of South Sudanese people and a model of success for the African diaspora. His journey illustrates how sport can be a powerful tool for social transformation, even in the most challenging contexts.
With South Sudan’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Deng has achieved a dream that seemed nearly impossible just a few years ago. He has turned his individual successes into a collective force, giving South Sudan a growing presence on the global basketball stage. Behind this achievement is a man who never forgot his roots and who has dedicated his career and life to honoring and nurturing them. We look forward to seeing South Sudan in Los Angeles 2028!
