The basketball team from South Sudan is rising quickly as they prepare to compete in their first Olympics in Paris in 2024.
During their pre-Games exhibition tour, they came dangerously close to upsetting Team USA, losing by just one point in an exciting 101-100 match. Their remarkable rise is an important turning point, demonstrating their capacity to leave a lasting impression on the world scene.
With his historic triple-double against the USA, Carlik Jones became the only player to accomplish this feat and garnered media attention. With his 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, Jones established himself as a point guard and cemented his place in basketball history.
Currently 26 years old, this undrafted NBA prospect of 2021 has completely changed his career, becoming a star for Serbian powerhouse Partizan in the EuroLeague. His career has included noteworthy stints with several organizations, the most prominent of which were his 10-game contracts with the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.
Carlik Jones: Each person has a unique journey.
Jones’ senior career has been anything but simple at age 26. He was not selected in the draft and has had to deal with the ongoing difficulty of switching teams and environments every year, as well as other challenges that may wear down any athlete.
Nevertheless, Jones has accepted these difficulties and sees them as essential components of his singular path. He has learned to value his experience instead of comparing it to others, finding strength and resiliency in his capacity to adjust and keep going.
Jones stated; “”Why do I keep going through adversity?” is a question I occasionally ask my family and friends. When there are people who don’t need to prove themselves, why do I keep needing to?”
“Sometimes, though, you just have to keep pushing through the pain. Everyone has a unique path and route. This is my life, and I like it, even though it took me a few years to realize that.
“You know you’re doing something right when you receive that small amount of acknowledgment.”