South Sudanese-born Australian basketballer Thon Maker has had his bid to play for his country of birth at the Paris Olympics denied.
After not being selected in Australia’s Olympics squad, the 27-year-old former NBA star launched a last-minute application for a clearance to South Sudan.
In a short statement last week, Maker said he was awaiting FIBA’s decision, and that it “would be a dream come true”.
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He was expecting a final decision by Monday, but was made to wait until Wednesday morning, when he was told the bad news.
“Sad day today,” he wrote on social media.
“I began this process on April 5th and unfortunately my letter of clearance in playing for Basketball Australia arrived too late for theFIBA process.
“It has been decided that South Sudan federation claim for me is too late.”
Maker will continue to pursue his dream of playing for South Sudan, but has conceded he will not play in the Olympics in any case.
“The appeal is going to continue but (I am) no chance for these Olympics,” he went on.
“I’m disappointed but my goal remains to compete in future competitions. Good luck to SSD.
“My heart is with you #paris2024.”
Maker was born in Wau, but moved to Western Australia as a five-year-old.
He spent six years in the NBA across three team: the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 213cm centre won the West Asia Super League’s MVP award this year, but has since since with Lebanese Basketball League outfit Al Riyadi Beirut.