British basketball great Luol Deng has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his services to the sport.
The two-time NBA All-Star, who retired from the league after 15 seasons in 2019, arrived in London as a refugee after escaping the civil war in South Sudan with his family.
He later grew up playing for Brixton Topcats under the late Jimmy Rogers before heading to America where he would continue his development with Blair Academy followed by D1 college programme Duke until eventually being selected by the Chicago Bulls seventh overall at the 2004 NBA Draft.
“I’m truly honoured to be awarded with the Order of British Empire joining such a prestigious group of people,” said Deng.
“I will always be thankful for the opportunity provided by UK for me and my family as a refugee.”
Deng in action for the Timberwolves against the Orlando Magic in 2019 (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Deng, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games, is viewed as an integral figure in…
