The South Sudan senior national men’s basketball team, known as the Bright Stars, has established itself as a formidable force in African basketball

By Denilson Deneki

Although I don’t have real-time access to the latest FIBA rankings beyond my last update, earlier information confirms their rise to prominence.

In September 2023, following their impressive performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, South Sudan surged 32 spots to become the number one ranked team in Africa and 31st in the world, with 375.5 points, according to FIBA’s official rankings.

More recent posts on X from August 2024 suggest they have maintained their top spot in Africa while climbing to 23rd globally, reflecting their continued success.

This ascent is remarkable given South Sudan’s short history in international basketball.

The team was formed after the country joined FIBA in 2013 and has rapidly progressed under the leadership of figures like Luol Deng, president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, and head coach Royal Ivey.

Their standout achievements include an unbeaten 6-0 record in the first round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, a 17th-place finish at the 2023 World Cup (the highest among African teams), and qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics as Africa’s sole representative in men’s basketball. Their near upset of Team USA in an Olympic warm-up game (losing 101-100) further underscores their growing prowess.

While I can’t independently verify the exact ranking as of April 6, 2025, the trajectory and sentiment from available sources align with the claim that South Sudan holds the number one spot in Africa and has climbed to 23rd in the world.

This reflects their consistent performance and the impact of their diaspora talent, including players like Carlik Jones, Wenyen Gabriel, and Nuni Omot, who have elevated the team on the global stage.

For the most precise and up-to-date confirmation, checking the latest FIBA rankings would be ideal, but their status as Africa’s top team in recent years is well-supported.