Stanbic Bank, NBA Africa, and Luol Deng Foundation Launch Second Season of Jr. NBA League in South Sudan

The second season of the Stanbic Jr. NBA League for boys and girls aged 16 and under kicked off in Juba, South Sudan, featuring 28 teams who will compete in regular season games through September. The league's second edition of playoffs and finals will take place in October, building on the success of the inaugural season's finals, which were attended by two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng and 1995 NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos.

Key Takeaways:

• The second season of the Stanbic Jr. NBA League features 28 boys and girls' teams, competing in regular season games through September.
• The league will be followed by the second edition of playoffs and finals in October.
• The inaugural season's finals took place at Nimra Talata Basketball Stadium in Juba last August, with Juba One 76ers crowned as champions.
• The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program has been launched in 19 African countries, reaching over 350,000 youth from across the continent last year.
• The league aims to teach the fundamental skills and core values of basketball, including teamwork, respect, determination, and community.
• The program has the support of NBA Africa, Stanbic Bank, and the Luol Deng Foundation.

Statistics:

• 28 teams will compete in the second season of the Stanbic Jr. NBA League.
• Regular season games will take place through September.
• The second edition of playoffs and finals will take place in October.
• The inaugural season's finals were attended by 2,000 people, including two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng and 1995 NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos.

Sources:

• M2 PressWIRE, June 30, 2025, "Stanbic Bank, National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa and Luol Deng Foundation Tip Off Second Season of Jr. NBA League in South Sudan"