Academy Programme is Boosting the NBA’s International Footprint

South Sudan came close to sealing what would have been a famous win over the United States in an exhibition match before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

It wasn't to be for the African nation as the LeBron James-led US team eventually clinched the win, but this game was more than the result.

The youngsters from South Sudan produced a gutsy performance and showed that basketball talent lies across previously unexplored regions.

The team, which included teenage Duke Blue Devils freshman Khaman Maluach, made their country proud and earned the admiration of millions of fans worldwide.

Most of the team had come through Luol Deng's basketball academy program. The former Chicago Bulls star and president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation has been instrumental in building a basketball culture in his homeland.

Players such as Maluach have incredible stories to tell. He was recruited to NBA Africa in Senegal aged 14, making him the youngest player to join any NBA academy.

The programme, which gave him access to elite training with academic support, aims to produce well-rounded individuals who can succeed in any career path.

Technical director of NBA Academy Africa, Roland Houston, believes this holistic approach will build character and talent through structured programs.

Maluach spent his time refining his skills on the court and sharpening his wit, but he was also mentally prepared. His coaches noted his maturity, while his methodical approach and laser-focused mindset set him apart. These qualities will serve him well in college and beyond.

They play exhibitions against professionals and other NBA academies, and this exposure is much better than what their counterparts in the traditional US prep schools enjoy.

Maluach and other talented prospects are eager to secure a path into the NBA, and they will be buoyed by seeing alumni of the NBA programmes strutting their stuff in the big league.

They include 22-year-old point guard Josh Giddey. The Melbourne-born star broke out from the Australian program and is now playing for the Chicago Bulls after leaving Oklahoma City Thunder.

Thes Bulls failed to make the play-in tournament last term, but having the Australian on the team should boost their chances of success this season.

Bookmakers rate them as 7.00 shots to progress to the play-offs, and all betting sites in Australia will be inundated with wagers backing Giddey to lead the Bulls to the post-season.

Maluach’s odds of hitting the big-time in the US have been boosted by a link-up with on-court mentor Tyrese Proctor, who came from the NBA's scheme in Australia.

He has helped the newbie adjust to American culture and college life. They live together in Durham, where the senior guard shares insights and guidance with his younger colleague.

While the NBA academies have become a close-to-home alternative to schools in the US, they force players to leave their homes at a young age. It was the case for Maluach, whose family resettled in Uganda.

He has had to leave his family behind to embrace a new language and culture, but this sense of brotherhood with Proctor is excellent for his adaptation.

NBA scouts have built a strong network. They partner with the local coaches who know the best players around. The players then get an opportunity to pursue a basketball career.

However, most of the African players tend to start playing basketball much later than their US counterparts - usually between 12-14. They played football growing up and must adjust to the new sport.

Millions of dollars are being invested to spread the gospel of the sport across Africa, and it is catching on, revealing a reservoir of untapped potential.

While the average male height in the USA is around 5ft 9ins, South Sudanese men record 5ft 11ins as the mean height. Despite this height and the accompanying athleticism, many remain obscure without the right opportunities.

Maluach's story shows how athletes from across the world can rise to international recognition. With hard work and dedication, he could ultimately forge a successful career in the NBA.