From South Sudan to NBL: The 'huge potential' of Deng Acouth

Deng Acouth only started playing basketball four years ago. Now, he's on the cusp of representing the Sydney Kings in the NBL.

Born in South Sudan, Acouth was six when he left his Kenyan refugee camp for a new life in Australia.

"I didn't want to come here because I didn't want to leave where I was," he said.

"But I didn't know I was coming to a better place."

Playing sport helped him make friends.

In 2013, he joined the Savannah Pride program, an initiative that was started with the South Sudanese community in Western Sydney.

It uses basketball to inspire and educate young Australians.

"It felt good because everyone there was like me," Acouth said.
After impressing at the Kings Rookie camp earlier this year, Acouth is hoping to be selected as one of Sydney's development players for the 2017/18 season.

Coach and Boomers legend Andrew Gaze holds a high opinion of the 20-year-old.

"He's got huge potential," Gaze said.

"Any kid that is seven foot, athletic and is coachable, there's no reason why he shouldn't have a realistic goal of becoming a professional athlete." 

"Whether that's here in Australia, Europe, Africa or the NBA."

"It's up to him to make the most of it and we'll try and help him through that process."

Acouth believes he has the ability to play in the world's biggest leagues. 

"I could use it as a stepping stone, I'm looking to go further and play in the NBA or Europe," Acouth said.

"I know I can get there, it's not something I can't do."

The Sydney Kings begin their NBL campaign against the Adelaide 36ers on October the 7th.


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2 min read

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By Adrian Arciuli



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