Carlik Jones keeps focus, brushes off monstrous game for South Sudan
At A Glance
- Chicago Bulls' Carlik Jones keeps his focus on being a reliable leader for his South Sudan side as the team gets going in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Chicago Bulls’ Carlik Jones keeps his focus on being a reliable leader for his South Sudan side as the team gets going in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The American-South Sudanese Jones almost made history after flirting with a triple-double performance with 17 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists in their hard-earned 87-68 victory over tournament co-host Philippines on Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Sudanese side pulled away from the Filipinos after greeting the halftime with a telling 51-30 lead, the biggest of the match.
Though the Philippines managed once more to attempt a late comeback and pulled itself within four in the third quarter, South Sudan held on to the win anchored by Jones’ brilliant effort.
“My mentality coming into the game was just to be the best player on the floor. Just do whatever it takes to get a win, I know we sometimes lack in defense or rebounding, so I know we need to rebound, push the pace, get stops. One thing I love to do is get my teammates going,” Jones said.
“Once everybody’s going, it makes it easier for me. So, my biggest thing is just to lead. Lead on both ends of the floor. God’s willing, I was able to play well (in this match against the Philippines),” he added.
South Sudan finished the pool play with a lone win over China in three outings to place third in the standings.
Despite being relegated to the classification round, head coach Royal Ivey was glad to have Jones consistently lead the team regardless of the results. They will face Angola for their final World Cup game on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m.
“Carlik has been great for us. He’s our leader, he is our quarterback on and off the floor. He’s a great addition, the guys love him, I love him. He’s a true leader and that’s what leaders do. They brought home the fight, he led us to victory,” Ivey said.