FROM the looks of things, Luol Deng is trying to lure Bol Bol to play for South Sudan in FIBA international competitions.
The South Sudan basketball federation president went to great lengths just to see Bol play. Aside from making the trip not just to the Philippines, Deng made sure to watch Bol personally, making the time to travel to Montalban, Rizal for the Tropang 5G's game against Titan Ultra.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said Deng didn't say directly that he is luring Bol to play for the national team.
“Luol was here to personally visit Bol,” said Lastimosa, who was sitting beside Deng during the game against Titan Ultra. “They know each other through the Sudan federation.”
“He didn't say outright to me that he is recruiting Bol but it seems that way. Bol said they were gonna talk some business as well."
READ: With Luol Deng watching, Bol Bol puts on a show for TNT
South Sudan has become a powerhouse in international basketball since Deng took over as president, and having Bol will be a huge boost to the squad.
South Sudan recently played its maiden Olympics in 2024 in Paris, doing so by being the best African team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila.
Bol made a good impression in front of Deng in that Saturday game after he finished with 50 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and six blocks.
With the 7-foot-3 Bol as its import, TNT is now on a three-game winning streak with a 5-2 win-loss record and is eyeing to join NLEX at second place in the team standings against Converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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