Luol Deng feels playing for Great Britain in the Olympics is his way of giving back – NBA Update
When Luol Deng marches into the opening ceremony of the Olympics Games it would fulfil his lifelong dream of representing Great Britain, a country that had granted his family asylum in 1995.
Even though the Chicago Bulls management tried to convince him not to participate in the Olympics and undergo surgery on his injured wrist, Deng had his eyes set on wearing the colours of the country he has grown fond of over the
years.
In a recent interview during the training camp with the Great Britain team in Houston, Deng revealed how he was able to convince the Bulls management for letting him play in the London Olympics this year.
“When I had my injury, I told the Bulls I was going to hold off from surgery because I felt like we had a chance to win but also that I still wanted to play in the Olympics.”
He believes that the decision to hold off surgery on his wrist was directly influenced by his desire to play in the Olympics and is firm of the fact the injury will not worsen or decline his performances in the next season.
Deng, choosing to play in the Olympics, has more to do with him giving back to the country which had been so kind to his family.
Over the years, Deng has been doing a lot of rebuilding work back in his native country, Sudan, through his Luol Deng foundation. But, he feels that giving back to Britain is of a different value and even though he may be leaving
some of the Bulls loyal angry, participating in Olympics was something that had to be done.
“Much as I wanted to please Chicago and Chicago Bulls fans, I just hope they understand if I don't play in these Olympics, it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Giving something back is something that comes from my family.”
Great Britain have already started preparing by holding a string of friendly fixtures. Deng played in his first practice game against France and managed to conjure up 20 points and 12 rebounds. There are still seven friendly fixtures
left before the British contingent kicks off their Olympic campaign on July 29th.
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