Is Bol Bol Playing Tonight vs Team USA? South Sudan’s Worrying Update Could Hamper KD, Devin Booker’s Face-Off Against 7’3 Giant
South Sudan made history the last time they were playing at an international tournament. The decade-old basketball federation celebrated their first-ever Olympic berth becoming the top-placed African team at the FIBA World Cup 2023. They managed to do so without Bol Bol, a staggering force for South Sudan. At that time the son of NBA legend Manute Bol wanted to devote himself to the Phoenix Suns, where he managed to impress Kevin Durant, a rival to South Sudan tonight.
Bol Bol was all set to make his international debut at the Paris competition, being the leading man in charge for South Sudan. But just when it felt like Bol would have his moment and the stage to freely express his Wembanyama-esque traits, unfortunate news made way. In a statement given by Ajou Deng, the assistant coach of South Sudan, Bol Bol has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to personal reasons.
South Sudan announced Bol Bol is now a late scratch for the Olympics due to personal reasons.
Team USA will face South Sudan tomorrow in London for an exhibition game. pic.twitter.com/IefNelbU1E
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 19, 2024
The 24-year-old immediately left the South Sudan side that is stationed in London for their exhibition games. His unavailability means Bol Bol will not play against his Suns teammates Durant and Devin Booker tonight.
The former Magci center had an unflattering season with Phoenix where he averaged merely 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds primarily as an end-of-the-bench player. He didn’t participate in South Sudan’s opening game against Great Britain, a contest in which the African nation valiantly staged a comeback.
Kevin Durant can be a mentor for Bol Bol
It was during a stint with the Orlando Magic that Bol Bol, a 7’2″ versatile center faced Kevin Durant. The Slim Reaper, who is widely called a seven-footer by his peers was among the first to notice the true talents of the 24-year-old. After their matchup, he spoke about his flexibility and inhuman qualities as a towering do-it-all center.
“He’s tough to deal with. I can see his confidence growing by the game, pretty much every game on the basketball court. He just needed more reps, last few years he’s been in and out of the lineup, hurt, and G League stints. I love what Jamal is doing with him over there, putting him at the point sometimes, putting him at the five, and just moving him around because he’s such a versatile player. It’s great for the league. I think you’ll start to see him continue to be more and more of an impact player as time goes on,” Durant said in 2022.
When speaking to Arizona Sports, Bol too revealed the vast influence Kevin Durant has had on him as part of the Phoenix Suns over the last season. The two-time Finals MVP was a credible reason behind Bol retaining his spot with the Suns. It would have been a wonderful moment to see three teammates on the floor together, battle it out as enemies.
Unfortunately, Bol might not get another opportunity to share the floor with Kevin Durant on the global stage again.
The post Is Bol Bol Playing Tonight vs Team USA? South Sudan’s Worrying Update Could Hamper KD, Devin Booker’s Face-Off Against 7’3 Giant appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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