A dramatic fourth-quarter comeback saw Gumbo Hawks beat Liberty Clippers 38–37 to win this year’s edition of the Stanbic Bank Jr. NBA League in Juba.
The final, played at the Nimra Talata basketball court, delivered a tense contest that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.
For much of the game, Liberty Clippers appeared firmly in control. They were discipline in defense and quick in transitions, allowing them to dominate the first three quarters.
However, Gumbo Hawks remained composed and mounted a comeback in the final quarter, overtaking the Clippers to secure the championship.
Their victory capped weeks of competition that brought together about 420 students from more than 30 schools across Juba.
The youth league, organized by Stanbic Bank South Sudan in partnership with the Luol Deng Foundation and NBA Africa, aims to nurture young basketball talent while promoting teamwork, discipline and leadership among students.
Speaking after the final, Fred Ouko, Head of Stanbic Bank South Sudan, said the bank was proud to support youth development through sports.
“Stanbic Bank is part of this community, and we see the Junior NBA as an important investment in young people,” Ouko said. “Basketball is huge in South Sudan, and this is our small contribution to society.”
The partnership between Stanbic Bank, NBA Africa and the Luol Deng Foundation has been running for the past three years and has already shown positive results.
“So far the partnership has worked very well. We have seen the impact it has created in the community, and we look forward to continuing to work together to grow the program,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lilian Onyach, Head of Brand and Marketing for Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan, described basketball as a natural choice for investment in the country.
“When you think of South Sudan, you think of basketball,” Onyach said. “It was an easy decision for us to support this sport because it resonates strongly with young people.”
She said the program has already had a significant impact on youth across the capital.
“Sports teach discipline, teamwork and time management. Through this program we have engaged about 450 children, trained referees, and involved more than 30 schools,” she said.
Onyach further added that the bank plans to grow the initiative beyond Juba and bring in more partners to support grassroots sports development.
“The next phase is to make it bigger. We want to reach more communities and involve more partners so that more young people can benefit from sports,” she said.
Arek Aldo Ajou Deng,Chief Executive Officer of the Luol Deng Foundation, also praised the partnership, saying it has been transformative for young people.
“This year has been challenging for many children, so finishing the league in this way was very important,” she said.
Arek noted that the program is about more than just basketball games.
“About 450 children participated in this league, more than 30 coaches were involved, and over 36 referees and table officials gained experience. The impact goes beyond the players to their families and the entire community,” she explained.
According to her, the league also strengthens school spirit and unity among students.
“It brings students together, regardless of which school they come from. They support their teams, build friendships and develop pride in their schools and their country,” she said.
Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to expand the program to other states across South Sudan.
“We want to grow this program beyond Juba. Our vision is to take it to every state and administrative area so that more children can benefit from sports,” he added.
The Stanbic Bank Jr. NBA League aims to promote youth development through basketball by encouraging discipline, teamwork and leadership among young people across South Sudan.
