A South Sudanese youth growing up in the United States is described by sports media as ‘amazing’ and ranked the top player in the country for his class year 2016.
‘The Big Lead,’ a sports blog owned by USA Today newspaper, reported that Thon Maker’s skills were ‘kind of insane.’ “He looks like a cross between Kevin Durant and Kevin Garnett,” said the paper, referring to two professional basketball players.
The American media source reported that Thon Maker is 7-feet, one-inch tall, (2.16 meters), and he weighs 200 pounds (90.7 kg). According to basketball analysts, the player is notable for being fairly agile despite being so huge.
In a report on the player last month, the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper said that Maker is “exceptionally tall but also exceptionally coordinated and fast. He plays down low but also looks comfortable handling the ball and shooting perimeter jumpers. He’s a force as a shot-blocker and rebounder.”
ESPN, a sports television network, ranked the player ‘#1’ on its website. It said that several of the United States’ most competitive university basketball squads had attempted to recruit him, though he still has to complete two more years of high school before moving on to the next level of competition.
Maker plays for Carlisle School in Martinsville, Virginia. He grew up playing football in Australia, but transitioned to basketball and came to the United States just a few years ago.
According to Maker’s coach, Edward Smith, one reason for the player’s success is his love of the game. The coach was quoted by the Louisville newspaper as saying, “He loves basketball. If you really love something a lot, then on your off days you take ownership and want to go practice. He loves ball.”
In South Sudan, basketball is a popular sport in a number of towns. But several of the best-known South Sudanese basketball players learnt the game abroad while growing up as members of the diaspora.
Video: Thon Maker, Revolutionary Seven Footer (youtube.com)
Photo: Hoopgroup.com