Former NBA All Star Luol Deng has made history by becoming the first Basketball Federation President to Coach a national basketball team.
Deng, South Sudan’s Basketball Federation President coached the nation’s team earlier today in a 56-76 loss to Nigeria in the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers.
The former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers Forward took over as Head Coach of the world’s youngest nation after retiring from his playing career in its attempt to compete in its first ever international basketball competition.
The fixture also marked Mike Brown’s competitive debut as Nigeria Head Coach; Brown is a former NBA Head Coach Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
Nigeria placed second behind winners Tunisia at the 2017 AfroBasket and is due to compete at the Tokyo Olympics next year. The 2021 AfroBasket is to be staged in Kigali, Rwanda.
Caleb Agada top scored in the contest with 16 points on the back of converting four six three point shot attempts. Nyang Wek led South Sudan in scoring with 10 points.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
