Manyiel Wugol (born 24 January 1999) is a South Sudanese-Australian professional basketball player who plays for South West Slammers in the NBL1
| No. 15 – South West Slammers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Shooting guard |
| League | NBL1 |
| Personal information | |
| Born | 24 January 1999 Rumbek, South Sudan |
| Nationality | South Sudanese / Australian |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school |
|
| College |
|
| Playing career | 2023–present |
| Career history | |
| 2023–present | South West Slammers |
Early life
editManyiel Wugol was born in Rumbek, South Sudan. His family fled the war-torn South Sudan and escaped to Kakuma refugee camp where they waited to be granted their visas and immigrated to Perth, Australia when he was two years old.[1]
Wugol started playing basketball at the late age of 16, growing up he mainly took interest in soccer, australian rules football and boxing. Wugol attended Caramarr Primary School and Thomas Carr College for high school. Wugol was drawn to basketball due to his older brother and cousins playing the game. His family relocated from Perth to Melbourne and he grew a large interest in basketball.[2]
High school career
editWugol attended Lake Joondalup Baptist College in Perth from year 7 to year 9. He transferred to Thomas Carr College when his family moved to Melbourne. In his first year on the varsity squad, He led the team to a championship in the Association of Co-educational School (ACS) basketball winter league. He played his grassroots basketball for South Sudanese basketball club Perth Rhinos and Melbourne based Longhorns, who has produced many South Sudanese-Australian college and professional players .[3]
in 2017, two years after he started playing the game of basketball he enrolled at Believe prep in Athens, Tennessee on an athletic scholarship.
College career
editSouthwestern Community College (2019–2021)
editIn August 2019, Wugol signed to Southwestern Community College who compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.[4] Wugol made his college debut on November 1 against Independence Community College.[5]
Long Beach State (2021)
editOn 3 June, Wugol Committed to Long Beach State Beach program but did not get eligible to play for the Beach and had to enter the transfer portal.[6]
ASA College (2021–2022)
editWugol attended ASA college after not being academically eligible at Long Beach State. He appeared in 13 games making 6 starts, averaging 6.0 points per game with a season high of 18 points.
Florida National University (2022)
editWugol signed with the Florida National Conquistadors program. He only appeared in 1 game before making the decision to turn professional.[7]
Professional career
editSouth West Slammers (2023–present)
editOn February 10, 2023, Wugol signed with the South West Slammers. On April 1, he made his debut against Geraldton Buccaneers scoring 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Wugol chose to wear number 15 for the season to honour a late friend who was murdered a year prior.[8] Wugol re-signed with South West Slammers for 2024 NBL1 West season. In the opening round of the season on March 28 he scored 13 points against Rockingham Flames.[9]
Personal life
editWugol has three brothers and five sisters. He is a descendant of the Dinka tribe of South Sudan.[10] Wugol is the cousin of basketball players Makur Maker and Thon Maker.[11]
References
edit- ^ Arok, Achol. "Unstoppable: African-Australian athletes smashing through the barriers". SBS News. SBS News.
- ^ "Manyiel Wugol 2019-2020". NJCAA. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
- ^ D’Anello, Luke. "From the back blocks to the US bright lights". The Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
- ^ "ICCAC members". ICCAC. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
- ^ Hetu, Tyler (5 November 2019). "SWCC splits weekend homestand to open season". Creston News Advisor. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ Barton, Fraser (27 February 2023). "Sudanese refugee chases basketball dream in Australia". The Canberra Times.
- ^ Barton, Fraser (28 February 2023). "Sudanese refugee dedicates NBL dream to slain best friend". The West Australian.
- ^ "NBL1 West 2023: New South West Slammers signing Manyiel Wugol reveals inspirational journey". swtimes.com.au. 23 February 2023.
- ^ Pike, Chris. "Recap NBL1 West Round 1 Thursday". nbl1.com.au.
- ^ Hickey, Matt. "Bigger than basketball: Manyiel Wugol's rise". pickandroll.com.au.
- ^ "Manyiel Wugol 2019-2020". Creston News Advisor. Retrieved 2 January 2020.