The annual Sudanese Australia interstate basketball tournament happened in Sydney from the 19-20 December. As this tournament was making headlines in Australia, an ex-player, Ater Majok, who actually used to come and train in Fitzroy, has made international headlines including in the New York Times and many other U.S publications, as he has made his debut in the United States College Basketball playing for the University of Connecticut.

After arriving in Australia in 2000 at the age of 14, he trained in Sydney and would often come to Melbourne to play basketball and train in local courts. Akech Manyiel, who is a distant cousin says:

“He used to come and play in Fitzroy high rise and stayed in the buildings when he was here. I could always see he was talented and he always put basketball first. Other guys would drink, chase girls but he was always focused.”

He signed with the University of Connecticut in 2008 after he was drafted from the high school leagues. Majok has received international media attention for his entry into the college league. A recent feature article in the New York Times sport section stated:

“Majok is ready for a new beginning. He survived eight years in a Cairo detention camp and relocated to Australia via a UN Visa, but said it was nothing compared with enduring an N.C.A.A inquiry into his transcripts at two schools in Sydney.”

Before heading the States to pursue a serious career in basketball, Majok trained with a number of local teams.

“Majok came to Melbourne to play with his Sydney side boys four or so times in the interstate tournament and whenever he came, he would stay here in Fitzroy and train on these courts, just outside building 90.” Manyiel reflects.

He has also stated that because of this, Majok has inspired a lot of the local Sudanese youths who live in the area to have a go, just like he did. 

See what The Age said: here
ESPN: here
Check out the New York Times article: here