Chicago Bulls' player Carlik Jones continued to make a name for himself at the FIBA World Cup, as he flirted with a triple-double in South Sudan's 87-68 win over the host country, Philippines, on Thursday night. The victory was crucial for basketball's youngest country, keeping their hopes for an automatic berth in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics alive. The Bright Stars will take on Angola on Saturday in a game with massive implications for their Olympic dreams.
Missed triple-double
The 6-foot-1 guard had a rough shooting night, making just 7-of-20 from the field for 17 points, but he more than made up for it with his stellar playmaking, racking up 14 assists. He was also active on the glass, hauling down nine rebounds—falling one short of a triple-double. Afterward, South Sudan head coach Royal Ivey said he would review the tape to find an uncredited rebound that would give his star the triple-double.
"I think we need to look at the tape so we can find another rebound for him (Jones). Because maybe he got one in there, a little tip or something," Ivey said.
The reigning G League MVP had a clear shot at completing the feat as he was in the paint when the Philippines missed a shot late in the game. However, his teammate Majok Deng grabbed the rebound.
Jones, though, shrugged off the missed opportunity for a triple-double and was content to come away with the win.
"As great as that would have been, I just wanted to win," Jones said.
South Sudan's leader
Former Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng has been a driving force behind the success of South Sudan. However, Jones has been the Bright Star's unquestioned court general in this tournament, with his averages of 19 points, 9.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.
"Carlik has been great for us. He's our leader, he's our quarterback on and off the court. He's a great addition. The guys love him. I love him. He's a true leader, and that's what leaders do. They bring home the fight. He led us to victory today. He put us on his back," Ivey gushed about his ace point guard.
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