Olympics
Exclusive: Great Britain Legend Dzaflo Larkai Opens Up on South Sudan's Olympics Games Motivation
Dzaflo Larkai, former Great Britain basketball legend, reflects on his journey and the motivation driving South Sudan's historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Image Credit: Hoopsfix
Former Great Britain basketball legend, Dzaflo Larkai, simply called "Flo," talks about his incredible basketball career path and what has been South Sudan's driving force at the just-ended 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
A Quiet Legend
It has become almost impossible to document South Sudan's basketball fairytale journey and ignore British-Ghanaian Assistant Coach, Dzaflo Kwame Larkai. "Flo," as affectionately called, traces his ancestry roots to James Town in Accra, Ghana.
"My roots connect to James Town, and I have always been proud of that. It's unfortunate I couldn't represent Ghana because everything was complicated at the time," he told SportsBoom.com from Juba, as the Bright Stars round up their Olympics Games exploit celebration.
Dzaflo's inspiration to become a basketball icon was fuelled by his senior brother and cousin. "My siblings introduced it to me. They were absolutely crazy about it. I found myself walking down that path."
The Bright Stars' deputy coach is a well-travelled figure during his playing days. He played for several years in the Japan BL League, where he was a 3-time champion. 'Flo' has also worn the shirts of Manchester Giants and Leicester Riders. While his days in Spain and the USA will never lack a mention.
Basketball gave me direction and identity. And I haven't looked back since falling in love with it.
Dzaflo Larkai
An Irresistible Call from Juba
"When I turned 38 years old, I thought I had one more season in me, but my 4 knee surgeries wouldn't allow me. It was a disappointing experience, but I've got to move and decide to coach and scout."
Luol Deng pulled off something of a coup by remembering Dzaflo Larkai. The South Sudan Basketball Federation had been searching for a big man to deputize for Coach Royal Ivey.
Image Credits: Hoopfix
"Suddenly, my phone rang, and at the end of the call was a very good friend and brother, Luol Deng. He has just climbed into the big office as the President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation. He said to me, 'I want you to be part of the coaching staff.' I couldn't resist or turn down my bro."
The rest, as they say, will be history for the 42-year-old basketball scout and coach.
Dunking like a Champion
For many basketball zealots around the world, it will be a crazy gamble backing Coach Royal Ivey's team for a podium finish considering the depth that was available in Group C featuring two absolute juggernauts with the USA and Serbia as automatic favourites.
"We [Bright Stars] feel disrespected, labelled as a normal pushover for any team before the Olympics began. We had to change that narrative using the pre-Olympics game shake-up against world no.1, Team USA."
"That exercise was incredibly beneficial. We gained valuable experience, mustered courage, and overcame fear. Our never-give-up attitude stunned many, including Paul Pierce, who admitted, 'I didn't know your game,' after Team USA edged us out 101-100 in the Olympic warm-up."
"I always train my players to get to the level that I had wished for myself.”
"We won our opener against Puerto Rico, then faced tough losses to Team USA and Serbia. Honestly, we gave it our all. Coach Ivey's message was simple: 'Play your game, enjoy the process.' We have quality players across the board, not superstars, but guys with top-league experience in Asia, Europe, and some with NBA background. We just needed to connect the dots."
"During breaks, we instilled a strong winning mentality, giving them a reason to play. It was about igniting that fire." - 'Flo' recalled with a smile.
A Small, Proud Nation
It's exciting to see how the 14-year-old nation is celebrating their Men's basketball Team Olympic Games appearance. The South Sudan flags on the streets won't be lowered anytime soon.
"It's mind-blowing, how the people are celebrating us on the streets of Juba." They say to me, "Please, you're one of us, we're proud of you" - the former Great Britain basketball sensation recalled.
"The people are very united, and it's a joy for all of us." His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit has pledged to build a huge multi-purpose sports complex for the development of the game. "The talents abound, once infrastructure is there, l believe we shall continue to enjoy the breakthroughs of this beautiful sports" Dzaflo mentioned.
Victor is a skilled broadcast journalist with an in-depth understanding of the sports ecosystem which spans over 8 years. He brings onboard a rich experience, having established himself as one of Ghana's finest lead commentators through major events like the African Games and the Ghana Women's Premier League.