This was the same team that gave Gilas Pilipinas their worst loss in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Anyway, what was perceived to be a blowout was probably the best game Team USA needed to raise their game in the Paris Olympics.
Carlik Jones had 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists against Gilas.
Wait. Lemme get a JPEG.
There.
The reason I am bringing this up is because he had a triple-double against Team USA! I know there's a difference between international ball and NBA basketball, but just like what Justin Brownlee is to Gilas, you can't discount any international star player especially if they are the focal point of their team's offense. And Nuni Omot, Marial Shayok, Majok Deng, and Wenyen Gabriel... what a statement! If this is what South Sudan is going to bring to the Olympics, then they have a chance to torment some of the basketball superpowers.
They also gave Team USA something that they needed to have in Paris - humility. I know ballers will still be in awe at the sight of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, but unlike in 1992, these teams are bent on clearing their basketball bucket list.
Every nation is gunning for a Team USA defeat, especially when they have their best players fighting for their reputation.
Furthermore, it's hard to root against South Sudan. Unlike most teams, these players are fighting for their country, in all aspects.
And I may be a Boston Celtics fan, but what the hell, Paul Pierce???
I saw Skip Bayless here too, but I don't want to talk about him because I give most American sports broadcasters the benefit of the doubt. After all, most of them follow too many sports to give a damn about international basketball.
But being a former player, and in the highest of levels mind you, knows that the game is evolving and even the Americans should know better.
I know what he said is for internet clout, but at a time when people are sick of trolls, he needs to stop acting like one.