"More disrespectful and cruel": South Sudan BBF President defends African heritage while addressing Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas' remarks
Following Team USA's 101-100 victory over South Sudan in a showcase game, strong remarks were made, particularly from former NBA stars Gilbert Arenas and Paul Pierce. Their comments were similar to how some fans discredited the basketball capabilities of South Sudan. However, the team's Basketball Federation president, Luol Deng, responded in defense of his team and what they stand for.
Arenas shared his criticisms of South Sudan on TikTok, where he referred to the outfit as the "Ahi Ahi Tribe," who didn't have the sneakers and the proper basketball equipment to match up against the Americans. Pierce, on the other hand, mocked South Sudan's roster for being unrecognizable and lackluster in the height department.
In light of their comments, former Bulls forward Luol Deng responded via Instagram. His post was also shared by user Basketball On X.
"I'm not upset or angry at these ignorant remarks made by my former colleagues; I was more disappointed to see them coming from two individuals I've always respected," Deng posted. "... The comments made by Paul Pierce showed misinformation and a lack of research. ... As for Gilbert's comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel."
Deng did appreciate Paul Pierce for vowing to do more research on South Sudan after Team USA's close victory and accepted the apology he made. However, he felt disappointed in what Gilbert Arenas had to say, considering that he was one of the players that he looked up to.
Instead of responding through mockery, Deng remained professional by highlighting the importance of education when it comes to a topic like this. There should be no problem or issue to acknowledge how far basketball has come for international countries compared to previous years.
Joel Embiid blasts Gilbert Arenas for comments toward South Sudan
It wasn't just Team South Sudan that Gilbert Arenas mocked in his TikTok video, as Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid also received some of the attention. He argued that Embiid's lackluster performance appeared as if he was throwing away the game for his fellow Africans.
In response, Embiid didn't condone what the former Wizards guard said, as per AfricaBasket1's Ayo Biyibi.
"Obviously, I don't condone it," Embiid said. "I'm African, first and foremost. I might be playing for Team USA but I'm Cameroonian first and foremost. ... You see what African basketball has done for us to be in this position to be able to make some impact. ... It's really unfortunate, especially in the world we live in now. So much negativity."
Embiid pointed out how Gilbert Arenas's comments shouldn't deter from the fact that African basketball paved the way for his success in the NBA. His talent and skill set easily speak for how incredible the big man looks in the professional league.
Despite already being recognized as one of the top two NBA centers in the league today, Embiid is not taking all the credit for himself as he is aware of the roots that he came from.