Dech Reflects on Historic Qualification

Sunday Dech will likely be a part of history in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The Adelaide 36er is set to be a key part of the South Sudanese side that will be making its first ever appearance at the competition.

South Sudan as a nation only gained independence in 2011, and the likes of Dech, Cairns stars Mangok Mathiang and Bul Kuol, former Melbourne MVP candidate Jo-Lual Acuil, and Adelaide teammate Deng Acuoth.

Following the nation’s qualification, the whole team took an impromptu trip to the landlocked nation to celebrate.

“It was magical, it was unscripted. We weren’t actually going to go home initially,” Dech told the Adelaide 36ers website.

“Seeing how much it meant to us and those back home, the government and the president chartered us a plane to go back.

“Just landing on the tarmac you’re embraced by thousands of fans, friends, family, loved ones.

“That was definitely very special, something I have never experienced before. It was giving me goosebumps juts seeing the singing and dancing and the enjoyment it brought to everyone’s faces.

South Sudan qualified for the tournament at the top of group f, and only lost one game en route to the historic achievement.

That loss came at the hands of Senegal – who finished third in the group – and Dech believes the World Cup is something the entire nation can rally behind.

“It was enjoyment, excitement, all the emotions coming into one and to celebrate with your countrymen and women is something really cool as well and something that is unifying the whole of South Sudan.

“We definitely don’t take it lightly. We have a stage now and I think that brings a positive light to South Sudan, where in recent years it’s been war, conflict.

“Now basketball is unifying everything and we’re taking that and running with it.”

For the full story head to >> Blazing a trail: Dech’s road to Cup tilt.