Kuol knows Olympics will have ever-lasting impact on South Sudan

Now that the dust has settled on Bul Kuol's first-ever Olympic Games with South Sudan, the Sydney Kings wing has had time to reflect on the incredible experience.

During the two-week tournament in Paris, Kuol and his Bright Stars created history by not only being the first South Sudanese basketball team to compete at the Olympics but also securing their maiden win - by defeating Puerto Rico 90-79.

"Being a part of the South Sudanese national team is a gift from God that I’ll never take for granted,” Kuol said.

“It is opening the eyes and hearts of our people, and reminding us of the dream that Manute Bol, John Garang and our countrymen fought for. 

“Not only does the next generation of basketballers have a path and direction to follow, but the national team is an example of unity and vision for our country.

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"It was an inspiring journey and it is amazing to see the joy it brought to so many people around the world, not just our country.

"My teammates and I couldn’t help but smile to  see our nation united and sharing the celebration, it has left me inspired to see my country better."

Kuol believes this breakout tournament for the Bright Stars is just the start for them on the international stage.

"The world has seen our flag, heard our national anthem, felt our spirit, and realised our talent,” said the Detroit Mercy alum, who embraced the challenge of going up against some of the world's top players from both Team USA and Serbia in their pool.

“Although we have a lot to learn, we now know that we belong, the goal is now proving to ourselves that we are capable of climbing back to the top of the mountain, and winning more than one game,

"As a nation, God has blessed us with talent, we are tall, long, fast and athletic, which allows us to play a unique style that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the world. 

"We have an exceptionally bright future, as our name suggests, so it's now on us as a country to embrace the game, hold each other accountable to move it in the right direction, and protect it from any form of corruption - it's an important time for South Sudanese basketball.

"[After this journey] the only way is up, we have no excuse not to make it back to the top, and experience real success but it's going to demand consistency and accountability from those in leadership.

"Hopefully, this is something that's built on and not a one-hit-wonder - it's important our country uses this momentum to grow the game in South Sudan and establish the infrastructure and leaders to support the upward trajectory."

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The Canberra talent is now back on the court with the Kings, ahead of his debut season with the Hoops Capital club - one he is confident can be his best to date in the NBL.

"I don't know if there is ever a point when things are ensured but I know I learnt a lot from competing against the best athletes in the world and playing with humility for your country," the 27-year-old said.

"My appreciation for the game evolved because there’s nothing like putting on the name of my country, it’s second to none, it was the purest form of competition I’ve ever experienced. 

“An unbelievably humbling moment for my brothers and I.

"For me now, I’m focusing on how I can bring that same level of appreciation of the game and competition back to the Kings, as we start our journey towards one common goal of winning a championship."

Kings fans will have their first chance to watch Kuol in a Kings jersey when the harbour city side hosts New Zealand in a pre-season fixture on Friday, August 30 at Quayncetre - with tickets still available here.