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


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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

