"I'm disappointed" - Thon Maker reveals being excluded from South Sudan squad for Paris Olympics

Former NBA player Thon Maker shared his disappointment online after he failed to become part of the South Sudan roster this year. The national team looks to perform their best at the 2024 Paris Olympics but they will be without one of their key players. Maker shared that the clearance from Australia's basketball federation came a little too late for him to join the national team.

The former Milwaukee Bucks big man is of South Sudan-Australian nationality, which makes it valid for him to play for both countries. However, he still had to process a few papers, waivers and clearances for him to be allowed to suit up for a different country.

Maker posted on X about how the clearance arrived too late, which made it invalid for him to join the national team.

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"Sad day today," Maker started. "I began this process on April 5th and unfortunately my letter of clearance in playing for Basketball Australia arrived too late for the FIBA process. It has been decided that South Sudan federation claim for me is too late. The appeal is going to continue but no chance for these Olympics."

"I am disappointed but my goal remains to compete in future competitions. Good luck to SSD, my heart is with you #paris2024"

Since he started his professional basketball career, Maker has represented the Australian national team. The seven-foot big man, together with his brother and aunt, moved to the land down under as refugees back when he was young. However, the former NBA player thinks it's time for him to represent the country where he's from.

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Thon Maker's fellow Sudanese player won't be able to play in the Olympics

While it's already a blow for the national team to not have an NBA-caliber player like Thon Maker, losing another one isn't easy. Former NBA star Luol Deng's brother, Ajou, confirmed the Bol Bol won't play for South Sudan this year. The reason has not been publicized, however, it is because of "personal reasons."

Having Bol on the roster would've been a great addition to the team. Not only would the Phoenix Suns star add firepower to their squad but his presence would have been symbolic.

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"He always wanted to play. At the World Cup, he wanted to play, but his situation at the time... He was let go by Orlando [Magic], so at that time, he wanted to focus on himself and his career," Deng said (per ESPN).

There's hope that he will one day suit up for South Sudan in international competition.

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