Youth Basketball Expands as 12 New Schools Join Stanbic Jr. NBA League

(Juba) – The Stanbic Jr. NBA League in South Sudan welcomed 12 new schools to its growing roster of youth teams during the Season 2 Draft held earlier this week, marking another milestone in the development of grassroots basketball in the country.

The event hosted with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, NBA Africa and the Luol Deng Foundation, attracted students, coaches, and school representatives to celebrate the expansion of the league.

Stanbic Bank South Sudan, the main sponsor of the initiative, announced that all participating schools from Season 1 would retain their original draft team names, while the new schools would be integrated into the competition lineup for the first time.

The draft was energized by the participation of young players from across Juba, whose enthusiasm and competitive spirit brought excitement to the court. The event also highlighted the broader impact of sport on education and youth development in South Sudan.

Fred Ouko, Head of Business at Stanbic Bank South Sudan, expressed gratitude to all partners involved and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting community initiatives that empower youth.

He praised the role of the Luol Deng Foundation in helping to organize the event and develop basketball as a pathway for leadership and life skills among school-aged children.

The Luol Deng Foundation, founded by South Sudanese born former NBA star Luol Deng, has played a key role in nurturing basketball talent and promoting youth engagement through sports in the country.

The Foundation partners with both public and private institutions to expand opportunities for young people.

The inclusion of 12 new schools significantly increases the number of children who will benefit from structured training, teamwork, and mentorship.

While the league primarily focuses on sport, it also serves as a platform to promote unity, discipline, and educational values.