Luol Deng
Luol Deng

Men from my tribe in Sudan - the Dinka tribe - are very tall, so you could say I was born to play basketball.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

South Sudan is my home, and I am humbled to be in a position to help those suffering from lack of access to basic needs, especially the children facing severe acute malnutrition.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I've always been low key, do my thing, do what I got to do, and get on with it.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

A lot of basketball players have tendinitis. It's known as jumper's knee, and it just comes from all the pounding our knees take.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I was very skilled at football at a young age in Egypt. I never played with a real ball. We used rolled-up socks or a balloon with a towel ducktaped to it, and we played on concrete in bare feet.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I was always tall, but I had a real growth spurt between 12 and 14.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I only lived in Sudan until I was four years, so I cannot really relate to that. It is just a different lifestyle.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

When I go out there, I try to do everything I can to win. That doesn't mean I have to score more than the other team; it may mean stopping the other team.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I think it's always going to be strange for me facing the Bulls.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

When you have a new coach, a couple new guys, and a young team, the frustrating part throughout the year is the up and down.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

You always - as a basketball player, as a competitor - that's where you speak most: on the court.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

Even in high school, when I had injuries, I tried to play with them. When I shouldn't have worked out, I worked out.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I think everyone in this league should aim to become good enough to shoot for the MVP. Not everyone can do it, but you've gotta try your hardest.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I don't like sneaking up on people.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA's first game in Africa. Coming from South Sudan and having participated in the Basketball without Borders Africa camps in Johannesburg previously, I am truly honored to be part of this historic event.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I never knew a regular childhood, but I was always surrounded by love.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

I don't play for recognition.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

Manute Bol taught my family the game of basketball.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

It's no good playing through pain if you're damaging yourself.

Luol Deng
Luol Deng

There are a lot of people in Chicago that I miss. I was there one year out of high school. So I basically grew up there.