Jones will receive help from the 6-foot-9 (2.06m) Nuni Omot, who was one of only five players to average double figures in scoring at the World Cup (14.4 ppg) while shooting 58.3 per cent from the field (including an outstanding 52.9 per cent from three). Omot was also integral to South Sudan reaching the tournament in the first place after scoring a team-high 26 points in a win against Senegal in the qualifiers that ensured the Bright Stars qualified for their first World Cup.
Then there is the question of Bol Bol.
The son of NBA Hall of Fame center Manute Bol, Bol Bol could make his international debut for South Sudan at Paris 2024 after being included on the team’s 25-man training camp roster for the Games. At 7-foot-3 (2.21m) with a 7-foot-5 wingspan (2.34m), Bol would provide an intimidating defensive presence and obvious lob threat for Jones on the offensive end. But Bol, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA, can also handle the ball incredibly well for a man of his height, and has a deft shooting touch (42.3 per cent from three last season) that opponents will have to respect.
His possible inclusion to the Bright Stars roster, along with former NBA pros Thon Maker and Wenyen Gabriel, will give South Sudan increased firepower that they didn’t have at the World Cup and will be sorely needed if they are to record a win in what looks to be a brutal group at the Olympic Games.