One of South Sudan’s most important players, Marial Shayok, spoke with Basketball Sphere about the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The fairy tale of the national team, which is coming to Mundobasket for the first time in its history, is still not over. What it feels like to be a part of that story, how much Luol Deng and head coach Royal Ivey influenced it all, Basketball Sphere found out during this conversation with Marial Shayok.
South Sudan were a revelation in the qualifiers. They won 11 out of 12 games played and in a dominant way earn a spot at the FIBA World Cup for the first time in history.
“For me personally, playing for South Sudan is a huge kind of honor. Being able to represent my country is not something I take for granted. My teammates have done a fantastic job through the qualifiers. To be part of this whole story is extremely exciting for me. Primary our desire is to continue making the people of South Sudan proud.” – explained Marial Shayok.
Luol Deng – Royal Ivey
The most deserving man for all the good that is happening in South Sudanese basketball is Luol Deng. Along with him, head coach Royal Ivey also plays a big role.
“Luol Deng is someone I watched since I was a boy. He inspired many people in South Sudan, even when he was a superstar in high school. What he created after his career ended is truly a blessing to us all. With his leadership abilities and the way he tries to transfer knowledge, he paved the way to success for many of us.
Royal Ivey is also someone I had the opportunity to watch in high school, as well as as a player. When I was a kid, I heard a lot of stories about his character, and now during the cooperation with him, I was convinced of it. I already owe him a lot and have learned a lot of things from him. He helps us all take an extra step forward.”
Experience
During his career, Marial Shayok had the opportunity to experience differences in basketball levels all over the world. In addition to playing for Iowa University, he was part of the NBA, and spent two seasons in Turkey. One of them was in Bursaspor, while the following year he played for Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague.
“I think the biggest difference in all these competitions is the level of talent. Once you leave college and turn pro, you simply have to step up your game. Then all opponents are at the top level. NBA is a competition with the most talented players in the world. It is crucial that you work on all aspects of your game.
Another difference between basketball in Europe and in America is the style of play. The rules are different. A lot less play in transition requires a lot more organized five-on-five offenses on one half of the court. You simply have to find your comfort zone on the floor in relation to the system in which you play. Several players are extremely talented, systems are created around them, so it is necessary to adapt adequately.”
Group stage
South Sudan will play against Serbia, China and Puerto Rico in the first phase of the FIBA World Cup 2023.
“Each of these teams has quality and we expect a great battle. Our main goal is to continue progressing as a team and to be ready to meet all the challenges that the World Cup brings. I think that as long as we control the things that are up to us, we will go out on the floor and give our maximum against everyone, we can live with the results.
It’s the only way to sleep peacefully. I don’t know much about how the other teams play, but I really believe in South Sudan and I think we have a good chance. We are focused on our own progress, and at the same time excited to be part of such a big event.
“Serbian coaches and players are best described by the word passion”
During his first year in Europe, Marial Shayok played for Bursaspor. His coach was Dusan Alimpijevic, and one of his teammates was Stefan Bircevic.
The following season, he was part of Fenerbahce where he played together with Marko Guduric, while Aleksandar Djordjevic led him from the bench. Now he will have the opportunity to compete against his teammates from Istanbul, as well as coach Djordjevic, who leads China.
“Both years in Europe I had the opportunity to play for Serbian coaches, and to have teammates from Serbia. I noticed how much they love basketball and passion is the best word to describe their love for this sport. Evidently, for all these years, many talented players have come from that country. I’m looking forward to playing against them, it should be interesting.” – concluded Marial Shayok at the end of the conversation with “Basketball Sphere”.