Thon Maker is now out for South Sudan‘s campaign in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, as he was denied of clearance by FIBA. Maker is a South Sudanese-born Australian player, which makes him hopeful for a spot in South Sudan squad. Moreover, he once represented Australia for FIBA matches, but he was not called-up this time. His inclusion in the National team is no longer surprising, as he had a notable career in the NBA. However, now, he is already playing for Al Riyadi Beirut, after failing to land another team in the NBA. Maker have been eagerly waiting for FIBA‘s decision to allow him to play for South Sudan, but to no avail.
Thon Maker did not make it for South Sudan
Former Boomer Thon Maker announced on social media that he did not receive FIBA clearance to play for South Sudan in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Maker’s letter of clearance for Basketball Australia arrived too late for the FIBA process, and the South Sudan federation claim for him is too late. Despite the disappointment, Maker’s goal remains to compete in future competitions. Basketball Australia did not oppose his decision, and South Sudan will be placed in Group C of the Olympic Basketball Tournament alongside Team USA, Serbia, and Puerto Rico. Maker’s determination to play for South Sudan highlights the complexities and challenges athletes face when switching national team allegiances.
FIBA has set specific criteria for players to change their national team representation. This aims to support national team programs.
- Players must have a valid passport from the new country.
- Should not have represented any national team at the senior level in an official FIBA competition for at least three years since their last appearance.
- Obtain approval from FIBA and the national basketball federation of the new country.
For example, 27-year-old Australian player, Mark Maker, has never represented the Australian national team in the FIBA World Cup or the Olympics. He has played 263 NBA games, averaging 4.6 points per game, and currently plays for Al Riyadi Beirut. South Sudan will make their first-ever Olympic appearance in basketball.
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