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Nuni Omot

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Anunwa "Nuni" Omot (born October 3, 1994) is a South Sudanese-American professional basketball player for Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the Baylor Bears after two years at Concordia University and Indian Hills Community College.

Nuni Omot
Omot with the BAL Most Valuable Player Award in 2023
No. 21 – Beijing Ducks
PositionPower forward
LeagueCBA
Personal information
Born (1994-10-03) October 3, 1994 (age 30)
Nairobi, Kenya
NationalitySouth Sudanese / American
Listed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High schoolMahtomedi (Mahtomedi, Minnesota)
College
NBA draft2018: undrafted
Playing career2018–present
Career history
2018–2019Long Island Nets
2019MZT Skopje
2019–2020ZZ Leiden
2020–2021Tofaş
2020–2021→Trefl Sopot
2021–2022Gießen 46ers
2022Leones de Ponce
2022–2023Westchester Knicks
2023Lakeland Magic
2023Al Ahly
2023–2024Chorale Roanne
2024Ningbo Rockets
2024Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan
2024–presentBeijing Ducks
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Omot has played for a variety of international basketball teams, and is most known for his MVP season in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with Al Ahly. On the national team level, Omot represents the South Sudan national team. He played with the Bright Stars at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Early life and high school

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Omot was born in a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya to Pillow and Kwot Omot.[1][2] His parents and brother Aba lived in the camp for three years, following a dangerous 440-mile journey from Gambela, Ethiopia to the Kenyan border in escape from an ongoing civil war.[2][3] They were arrested, spending one week in prison, before being freed with help from the United Nations and settling in the camp, which was crowded and did not provide adequate food.[3] In 1996, Omot's mother and siblings moved to Minnesota with the help of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.[4] However, his father was barred from the United States for medical reasons.[5]

Living in Minnesota, Omot was looked after by his brother Aba, while his mother worked two jobs at Menards and Burlington Coat Factory to support the family.[2] Omot first began playing football as a wide receiver, but he started playing basketball after a growth spurt.[5] He also played soccer but basketball soon became his primary focus.[2]

As a junior in high school, Omot joined the junior varsity basketball team at Mahtomedi High School in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.[2] He moved up to varsity in his senior season, averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Omot earned All-Conference and honorable mention All-State accolades in his final year at Mahtomedi.[1] Still, he failed to earn any NCAA Division I scholarship offers in high school.[5]

College career

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Omot began his college career at Concordia in NCAA Division II and redshirted his freshman season, growing almost three inches.[3] In 2014–15, he averaged 12.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting 58 percent from the floor and 42 percent from behind the arc. In order to get more Division I exposure, Omot transferred to Indian Hills Community College. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and started 33 games in one of the top junior college programs.[5] He was named to the first-team all-conference and NJCAA Honorable mention All-American.[3][6] Omot accepted a scholarship to Baylor on November 12, 2015.[3]

Omot was forced to miss the fall semester of 2016 due to academic reasons and played limited minutes the rest of the year.[5] His best performance was scoring 14 points in a 74–64 win over Texas on January 18, 2017.[7] He averaged 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.[8] Omot put in a lot of work in the summer of 2017 to improve his game.[5] Omot began his senior season with 15 points against Central Arkansas and had 12 points the following game against Texas A&M–Corpus Christi.[2] He registered a career-high 30 points in a 105–82 win over Randall on December 9, 2017.[9] However, Omot struggled to start Big 12 play and was replaced in the starting lineup by Mark Vital.[2] In a loss to Oklahoma on January 31, 2018, Omot scored 23 points and hit all six three-point attempts.[10] On February 20, in a game against West Virginia, Omot met his father for the first time in 21 years.[11] As a senior, Omot averaged 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 48.9 percent from the field and 43.3 percent on three-pointers, which was fifth in the Big 12 Conference.[12]

Professional career

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Long Island Nets

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After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Omot joined the Golden State Warriors for 2018 NBA Summer League.[13] On September 25, 2018, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets on a training camp deal.[12] Omot was waived by the Nets on October 11.[14] He was subsequently added to the roster of the Nets’ NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.[15]

Playing during the coronavirus pandemic

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Omot in a pre-season game for the Brooklyn Nets in October 2018

On July 26, 2019, Omot signed with Macedonian club MZT Skopje.[16] Omot averaged 18.5 points on 60% shooting in seven games.

On November 22, 2019, Omot was announced by ZZ Leiden of the Dutch Basketball League (DBL). His contract with Leiden began December 1.[17] The 2019–20 season was cancelled prematurely in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Omot averaged 11.8 points the DBL, and 17.8 points in the FIBA Europe Cup, the fourth level European competition.

Turkey

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On June 12, 2020, Omot signed with the Turkish club Tofaş of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).[18] On December 9, 2020, he was loaned to Trefl Sopot of PLK.[19] Omot averaged 17.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Gießen 46ers

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On July 20, 2021, Omot signed with the German club Gießen 46ers of the Basketball Bundesliga.[20]

Puerto Rico

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In 2022, Omot played in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, Puerto Rico’s professional league, with Leones de Ponce.

Westchester Knicks (2022–2023)

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In September 2022, the New York Knicks added Omot to their training camp roster.[21] On September 23, 2022, Omot signed a contract with the New York Knicks.[21] He was then later waived. On October 24, 2022, Omot joined the Westchester Knicks training camp roster.[22]

Lakeland Magic (2023)

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On March 2, 2023, Omot was traded to the Lakeland Magic.[23]

Al Ahly (2023)

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Omot (most left) and Al Ahly receiving the 2023 BAL championship trophy

In April 2023, Omot joined the Egyptian club Al Ahly ahead of their maiden campaign in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).[24] He made his debut on April 26, scoring a team-high 21 points in a 92–73 opening day win over Ferroviário da Beira.[25]

On May 27, 2023, Al Ahly won their first-ever BAL championship after defeating AS Douanes in the final behind Omot's 22-point game.[26] Omot was named the BAL Most Valuable Player, becoming the first African player to win the award.[27]

On July 30, 2023, Omot signed with the Taichung Suns of the T1 League.[28] On October 13, it was reported that all import players of the Taichung Suns left the team.[29]

Chorale Roanne (2023–2024)

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On October 29, 2023, Omot joined the French club Chorale Roanne of the LNB Pro A for the remainder of the season.[30]

On January 17, 2024, Omot left the Chorale Roanne.[31]

Ningbo Rockets (2024)

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on February 19, 2024, Omot signed with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association.[32]

Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan (2024)

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On April 9, 2024, Omot signed with Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played in eight games with Ramat Gan, averaging 15 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.[33]

Beijing Ducks (2024–present)

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On October 2, 2024, Omot signed with Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[34]

National team career

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In February 2021, Omot was selected by the South Sudan national basketball team to play in the qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[35] Omot made his debut on February 17, 2021, against Nigeria.[36] He played a key role in the team and on February 25, 2023, Omot scored a team-high 26 points in the 83–75 win over Senegal that ensured South Sudan's first-ever qualification for the World Cup.[37]

On August 30, 2023, while playing against Serbia, Omot unintentionally struck Borisa Simanic in the kidney during an offense. This blow resulted in a major injury which required his kidney to be removed.[38]

Omot was a key player for South Sudan at the 2024 Olympics, where the country made its Olympic debut. He scored the first points for the country in the opening day win over Puerto Rico.[36]

Personal

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Omot has both a South Sudanese and American passport.[39]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Nuni Omot". Baylor Bears. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Werner, John (February 9, 2018). "Walk to Freedom: Omot's inspiring journey leads to success at Baylor". Waco Tribune-Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e Strand, Bruce (March 23, 2016). "Refugee, Mahtomedi grad aims for NBA". White Bear Press. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  4. ^ Murdock, Logan (June 15, 2018). "Baylor's Nuni Omot overcomes rough upbringing". The Mercury News. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Dortch, Chris (May 4, 2018). "Baylor swingman Nuni Omot has come long way into becoming an NBA prospect". NBA. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  6. ^ "2015-16 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball All-America Teams". NJCAA. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  7. ^ "Motley's 32 points, 20 rebounds give No. 6 Baylor 74-64 win over Texas". ESPN. Associated Press. January 18, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  8. ^ "2017-18 Baylor Men's Basketball Media Supplement" (PDF). CSTV.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  9. ^ "Omot gets 30, No. 23 Baylor tops Randall 105-82 at Fort Hood". ESPN. Associated Press. December 9, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Young's 44 help No. 12 Oklahoma top Baylor 98-96". ESPN. Associated Press. January 31, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  11. ^ Werner, John (February 20, 2018). "Omot's father reunites with son after 21 years, watches first Baylor game". Waco Tribune-Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Brooklyn Nets Announce Training Camp Roster". NBA. September 25, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  13. ^ "Warriors' Nuni Omot: To play in summer league". CBS Sports. June 27, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  14. ^ "Brooklyn Nets Waive McLaughlin And Omot". NBA.com. October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  15. ^ "Long Island Nets Finalize Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  16. ^ Lupo, Nicola (July 26, 2019). "Nuni Omot agrees to deal with MZT Skopje". Sportando. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  17. ^ "ZZ Leiden haalt Nuni Omot". www.eredivisiebasketballleiden.nl. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  18. ^ Carchia, Emiliano (June 12, 2020). "Numi Omot joins Tofas Bursa". Sportando. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  19. ^ "Nuni Omot on loan to Trefl Sopot". Eurobasket. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  20. ^ Skerletic, Dario (July 20, 2021). "Giessen 46ers sign Nuni Omot". Sportando. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Knicks Sign Nuni Omot". Hoops Rumors. September 23, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  22. ^ "Westchester Knicks Announce 2022-23 Training Camp Roster". oursportscentral.com. October 23, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  23. ^ "2022-23 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  24. ^ "Al Ahly (EGYPT)". The BAL. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  25. ^ "Omot scores 21, leads Al Ahly past Beira in opening of the Nile Conference". The BAL. April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  26. ^ "AL AHLY ARE THE 2023 BAL CHAMPIONS". The BAL. May 27, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  27. ^ "MVP Nuni Omot leads Al Ahly to BAL title in Kigali". ESPN.com. May 27, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  28. ^ "2023非洲聯賽MVP也來了 努尼加盟台中太陽". ETtoday. July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  29. ^ "T1職籃「6減1」開打 台中太陽遭除名下一步引關注". ETtoday. October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  30. ^ "Nuni Omot pour rééquilibrer la raquette". Chorale Roanne Basket (in French). October 29, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  31. ^ Fabien Zaghini (January 17, 2024). "Nuni Omot n'est plus choralien". Chorale Roanne Basket. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  32. ^ 郭天奇 (February 19, 2024). "宁波男篮官方宣布与两位外援签约 补充球队内线锋线". 中国新闻网. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  33. ^ "ISRAEL BASKETBALL SUPER LEAGUE | Israel Basketball | 2023-24 Season | Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan | Nuni Omot". basket.co.il. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  34. ^ "又签两名外援 首钢篮球俱乐部发布官方公告". 京报体育. October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  35. ^ "South Sudan at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  36. ^ a b "Olympics history: Omot scores first-ever points for South Sudan". www.fiba.basketball. July 28, 2024. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  37. ^ "South Sudan make history with win over Senegal to qualify for FIBA World Cup 2023". Olympics. February 25, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  38. ^ "Serbian player loses kidney at hoops World Cup". ESPN.com. September 4, 2023.
  39. ^ "New forward for Bundesliga basketball team Gießen 46ers". Archysport. August 1, 2021. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
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