USA vs South Sudan Basketball: An Unlikely Rivalry

You wouldn't think that the United States, a basketball powerhouse, would have much to worry about when facing South Sudan, a nation that has only recently gained independence and has a much smaller population. But in recent years, South Sudan has been making waves in the basketball world, and they're starting to give the US a run for their money.

It all started in 2012, when South Sudan joined FIBA, the international governing body for basketball. At the time, they were ranked 210th in the world. But they quickly began to improve, and by 2016, they had climbed to 83rd in the rankings.

One of the reasons for South Sudan's success is their athleticism. The players are tall, strong, and fast. They also have a deep passion for the game. Basketball is a source of national pride for South Sudan, and the players are determined to represent their country well.

The US, meanwhile, has a long history of basketball success. They have won more Olympic gold medals than any other country, and they are always considered one of the favorites in international competitions.

But in recent years, the US has been slipping in the rankings. They finished seventh at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, their worst finish in the tournament's history. And they lost to France in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Olympics.

So when the US and South Sudan met in a FIBA World Cup qualifier in 2023, it was a David vs. Goliath matchup. The US was the clear favorite, but South Sudan was determined to pull off the upset.

And they did just that. South Sudan won the game 89-83, handing the US their first loss in a FIBA World Cup qualifier since 2015.

The win was a major upset, and it sent shockwaves through the basketball world. It also showed that South Sudan is a team to be reckoned with. They may not be the United States, but they're getting closer.

The rivalry between the US and South Sudan is still in its early stages, but it's already one of the most interesting in basketball. It's a matchup of two very different teams with very different histories. But one thing is for sure: South Sudan is a team on the rise, and they're not going away anytime soon.

What's Next for the Rivalry?

The next time the US and South Sudan meet on the basketball court, it will be in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The US will be looking for revenge, but South Sudan will be determined to prove that their victory in the qualifier was no fluke.

It's sure to be a great matchup, and it could be a sign of things to come. If South Sudan continues to improve, they could become a major challenger to the US in the years to come.

Call to Action

If you're a basketball fan, I encourage you to check out the next game between the US and South Sudan. It's sure to be a great matchup, and it could be a sign of things to come.