Wenyen Gabriel helps South Sudan secure first-ever Olympic berth

As football season kicks off in America, the FIBA World Cup marches on in the Philippines with four former Kentucky players suiting up for their home countries. Karl-Anthony Towns, Eloy Vargas (Dominican Republic), and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (Canada) are still vying for gold but Saturday’s spotlight belonged to Wenyen Gabriel and South Sudan.

While Big Blue Nation was basking in a Week 1, 30-point football win over Ball State in Lexington, the nation of South Sudan was soaking up a 23-point victory over Angola in Manila.

The win was historic because it qualified South Sudan for their first-ever Olympic berth, not just in basketball but in any sport. The South Sudanese gained their independence just 12 years ago, and they’ll now they will make their Olympic debut in Paris in 2024.

Former Kentucky Wildcat and current Los Angeles Laker, Wenyen Gabriel, notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Gabriel led the South Sudanese in boards and had a game-high six blocks, serving as a defensive beast all game long.

South Sudan head coach, Royal Ivey, was emotional after the game, saying, “I’m speechless right now. To be quite honest, it’s so surreal. We’re going to the Olympics. This team is a beam of light. Like I keep on saying every postgame, we’re bringing unity, camaraderie, love, and friendship to this country.”

South Sudan dropped out of World Cup title contention in round one when they failed to advance past the initial group stage, but will gladly take an Olympic appearance as a consolation prize.

Through five games with South Sudan, Gabriel has averaged 9.3 points and 8.8 rebounds during the FIBA World Cup. He will now represent his home country in the 2024 Olympics.

Congrats to Wenyen Gabriel and the entire nation of South Sudan.