Luol Deng Awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE)

[Truth&Justise]

It what is almost certainly a first for Duke basketball players, Luol Deng has been awarded with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his services to basketball.

Deng was recognized for his role in building up basketball in the United Kingdom:

The 36-year-old remains an important part of growing basketball in Britain, hosting an annual summer camp for over a decade which became an elite top 50 camp in 2014, and establishing the Luol Deng Foundation as a charity based in South Croydon.

Following his retirement from the game in 2019, Deng was appointed President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, and continues to have major impact on his home continent, having recently been revealed as an investor in NBA Africa.

Said Deng: “I’m truly honoured to be awarded with the Order of British Empire joining such a prestigious group of people."

As far as I can tell, he is only the second person to receive the award for contributions to basketball, after John Amaechi.

Congratulations, Sir Luol!

[jimsumner]

Now, that is cool.

Can we hang a banner for that?

[Indoor66]

Now, that is cool.

Can we hang a banner for that?

Only at the dump on the hump would they dare.

[DukieInKansas]

Congratulations!

[cato]

Now, that is cool.

Can we hang a banner for that?

That would be great. Luol leaving after his first year hurt more than any other early departure, in my book. He would have dominated as a sophomore and provided exactly what the team needed.

More than anything else, I think he really truly wanted to stay. But duty called and he answered.

This is an honor Deng most certainly deserves.

From the window to Luol . . .

[miramar]

Deng good!

[WillJ]

Good on Luol. As for bball, however, the UK punches very much below its weight. As far as I know, Luol and Amaechi are the only two UKers to make it to the NBA.

[Truth&Justise]

Good on Luol. As for bball, however, the UK punches very much below its weight. As far as I know, Luol and Amaechi are the only two UKers to make it to the NBA.

Basketball Reference lists 12 players born in the United Kingdom, including current pros OG Anunoby and Admiral Schofield. Note this list is just by place of birth, so it doesn't include naturalized citizens like Deng and Amaechi.

EDIT: Here's a better list, showing guys who developed in the British basketball system (before coming to the US): Deng, Amaechi, Robert Archibald, Joel Freeland, Michael Olowakandi, Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Steve Bucknall.

[bundabergdevil]

Cameron Krzyzewski Deng Indoor Stadium?

[DoubleBlue]

Cameron Krzyzewski Deng Indoor Stadium?

Deng could probably afford to make that happen.

[WillJ]

Basketball Reference lists 12 players born in the United Kingdom, including current pros OG Anunoby and Admiral Schofield. Note this list is just by place of birth, so it doesn't include naturalized citizens like Deng and Amaechi.

EDIT: Here's a better list, showing guys who developed in the British basketball system (before coming to the US): Deng, Amaechi, Robert Archibald, Joel Freeland, Michael Olowakandi, Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Steve Bucknall.

That's better than I would have thought...though Steve Bucknall doesn't count for anything. Still, that seems much less accomplished than Spain, France or Germany.

[weezie]

Wow! That is absolutely wonderful! Congrats Luol!

[gep]

Just came across this clip of the Duke Brotherhood at the K Academy. About 2 minutes in, Scheyer talks about Loul Deng... and Loul's own words too. Very cool...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA0ASuwCdr0

[jv001]

Congratulations Luol.

GoDuke!

[DukieInKansas]

Just came across this clip of the Duke Brotherhood at the K Academy. About 2 minutes in, Scheyer talks about Loul Deng... and Loul's own words too. Very cool...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA0ASuwCdr0

Thanks for the link!