Luol Deng, Sudan's rising star
0 Comments Published by Salawi on Thursday, February 08, 2007 at 2/08/2007 01:12:00 am.
Born: Apr 16, 1985
Height: 6-9 / 2,06
Weight: 220 lbs. / 99,8 kg.
College : Duke
Years Pro: 2
Luol Deng was born in the Dinka tribe of Sudan that produces many of the tallest people in the world . When he was at a young age, his father Aldo, a member of the Sudanese parliament, moved the family to Egypt to escape the Second Sudanese Civil War.
In Egypt, they met former NBA center Manute Bol, another Dinka, who taught Deng's older brother how to play basketball, and served as a mentor for Luol himself. When they were granted political asylum, his family emigrated to South Norwood in London, England.
Deng developed an interest in soccer and basketball, and was invited to join England's 15-and-under teams in both sports. At the age of 13, he played for England's squad in the European Junior Men’s Qualifying Tournament, averaging 40 points and 14 rebounds. He was named the MVP of the tournament. Next, he led England to the finals of the European Junior National Tournament, where he averaged 34 points and earned another MVP award. Although he chose to focus on basketball, he counts himself a fan of Arsenal F.C.
After one year at Duke, Deng entered the 2004 NBA Draft. He was picked seventh overall by the Phoenix Suns, but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls by prior agreement. Deng suffered a season-ending wrist injury late in his rookie season, but still made the NBA All-Rookie First Team to help the resurgent Bulls return to the playoffs for the first time in several years.Deng continues to credit Manute Bol as a major influence, saying "He has really helped me out in my life and I know that if I'm playing this game then it thanks to him, so I owe him a lot." "Manute started me with this whole thing and basketball. Our relationship is one where he is like an older brother or a father to me. He gives me a lot of advice."
Deng is having a great season this year averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game
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