Luol Deng to Star in NBA's First Game in Africa - Hoopsfix.com

Luol Deng to Star in NBA’s First Game in Africa

Great Britain forward Luol Deng will play a leading role in the NBA’s first game played in Africa this summer.

Deng will captain Team Africa against a Team World side led by LA Clippers guard, Chris Paul in the game that takes place at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 1st.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA’s first game in Africa,” said Deng. “Coming from South Sudan and having participated in the Basketball without Borders Africa camps in Johannesburg previously, I am truly honored to be part of this historic event.”

Deng was born in what is now South Sudan, before his family eventually settled in London, and the 30-year-old is one of 35+ players from Africa to have made it to the NBA.

A number of NBA Head Coaches will also take part in the event including Atlanta’s Mike Budenholzer – 2014-15 Coach of the Year – and San Antonio’s Greg Popovich.

“The NBA has worked hard to grow the game of basketball in Africa, and I am excited to take this next step of playing our first game on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Our players have been tremendous partners in this effort, and all of us look forward to sharing the authentic NBA experience and the values of our game with fans in Africa.”

The game will take place following the 13th edition of Basketball without Borders (BWB) Africa, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development program that has reached 1 000 campers from 31 African countries since 2003.

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