DEERFIELD, ILL.Starting this season, for the first time in his nine-year NBA career, All-Star Luol Deng is no longer being introduced as from Duke University when the Bulls starting lineup is announced.
Theres a good reason for that.
I love Duke, its nothing against Duke. Me and Coach K are friends, everything is fine, he explained after the teams practice Monday afternoon at the Berto Center. I just felt like I didnt get a chance to do it last year, but after we got our independence, being from South Sudan, I wanted people to recognize South Sudan.
A lot of times, we still say South Sudan and people think its Sudan, but its our own nation now, so we found a way of recognition, the All-Star continued. Whoevers sitting in the crowd or watching at home on TV, they can go and Google it. But South Sudans its own nation, so Im proud of that.
When Derrick Rose returns to the Bulls lineup, the familiar, From Chicago preceding his name will surely warm the hearts of fans throughout the city.
But when Deng is introduced, it inspires an entire nation.
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