After South Sudan almost defeated a LeBron James-led Team USA recently, a lot of people have begun paying attention to the African squad. Unfortunately, former NBA big man Thon Maker won’t be a part of their lineup to compete for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Born in Wau, South Sudan, Maker and his family escaped the civil war and settled in Perth, Australia when he was five years old. His basketball journey began when he was discovered playing soccer in Mirrabooka, Perth, by Edward Smith, who helped facilitate opportunities for him. Maker then attended high school in the United States, playing for Carlisle School in Virginia and later Orangeville District Secondary School in Canada, where he developed into a highly touted prospect.

In 2016, Maker was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Draft. He spent three seasons with to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo and company before playing for the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2021, Maker joined Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel and later played for the Long Island Nets in the G League. In 2022, he signed with the Fujian Sturgeons in China and most recently joined Al Riyadi Club Beirut in 2024.
Maker has also represented the Australian national team, playing in the 2022-2023 FIBA Asia Cup. He has achieved success in his professional career, winning the BCL Asia championship and being named the WASL Most Valuable Player in 2024.
Thon Maker Reveals His Failed Attempt To Join South Sudan for 2024 Olympics

Although he has played for Australia on the global stage, Maker also attempted to honor his roots in Africa via the chance to play for the South Sudan basketball team. Unfortunately, the former NBA star failed to do so, as seen in a tweet he posted on his official account on X.
#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/YR1Gvgu4Up
— Thon Maker ™ (@ThonMaker14) July 23, 2024
Over the course of his five-year run in the NBA, Maker averaged 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. After his stint in the United States, the big man played in Israel and China for three seasons with combined averages of 15.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

It remains to be seen whether Maker can make it to the South Sudan team sometime in the future. If he succeeds, the African squad will become better for it.

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