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Carlik Jones helps South Sudan make history in the FIBA World Cup

Originally posted on FanNation All Bulls
By Stephen Beslic | Last updated 8/30/23

Chicago Bulls guard Carlik Jones is raising his game to new levels. At the same time, he's also elevating South Sudan after the Bright Stars defeated China, 89-69, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup for their first-ever victory in the prestigious tournament. Jones, a two-way player for the Bulls during the upcoming 2023-2024 season, scored 21 points and dished out six assists in a performance citizens of his country won't soon forget.

Shining bright

Jones, the reigning G League MVP, had a spectacular debut in the World Cup, compiling 35 points, 11 assists, six boards, and four steals in a 101-96 loss to Puerto Rico. Not content to prove they could just hang with the big boys of international basketball, South Sudan bounced back and routed World Cup veterans China in their next game. It was a special win for the team, its players, and South Sudan, which officially became a country in 2011.

"It's amazing to win. We feel blessed and honored to be a part of this, to be with my brothers. It's an amazing feeling. What we've gone through to get to this point... people don't understand that this is inspirational. This is emotional. People may not fully understand the story behind it, behind what we've been through," said Nuni Omot, who scored 14 points in the victory over the Dragons.

Not done yet

Jones asserted they're hungry for more, though their next opponent would be much tougher—Serbia. The Eagles do not have two-time MVP Nikola Jokic but do have sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic and Miami Heat big man Nikola Jovic.

"No. We are not done yet. I don't really want to get into talking about the next game because we won our first game. It's history. I just wanna enjoy the night," Jones said.