Wen Carlik Jones sink di decisive baskets for di last seconds of South Sudan victory against Tunisia, im do passi push di Bright Stars closer to di FIBA Basketball World Cup. Di excitement of Sunday match too much for Juba papa Yuang Philip Akuei, so im decide say im go officially change im small pikin name from Akuei Yuang to Carlik Akuei Yuang.
"I name my son afta Carlik because say e dey make us proud as South Sudanese," Yuang tell Eye Radio. "For di last six seconds against Tunisia, e score two points, and then another two points take secure di win. Dat excitement inspire me to honor am. Dis one go be im official name — im Christian name don become Carlik Akuei."
Di naturalised American-South Sudanese guard don come out as cornerstone of di national team, lead South Sudan to three qualifier victory in a row over Guinea, Nigeria and Tunisia. Di run don boost dia Group E record to seven wins and two losses.
For South Sudanese tradition, to name pikin afta public figure na one of di highest respect, dem dey normally reserve am for national icons, political leaders and freedom fighters. For Yuang, to honor modern sports hero carry di same cultural meaning.
"I go like make my son grow and be like Carlik Jones — hero wey dedicate imself to make South Sudan known all over di world," Yuang tok. "We dey honor leaders like di late Dr. John Garang and President Salva Kiir. For basketball, we fit also name our children afta di stars wey bring us together."
