It’s far more than just about basketball, although South Sudan has a legitimate shot of reaching the Knockout round with a win in its final two games. According to the United Nations, half of South Sudan’s 10.9 million population is under 18 years old. So this run is truly motivating the youth.

“It means a lot and just to be there, it was a surreal moment,” forward Majok Deng said. “You get emotional in a way too. To raise your flag on that stage means everything and that’s what we’re fighting for. Before the World Cup, nobody knew where South Sudan was. Obviously we did a great job in the World Cup to qualify for the Olympics. We always surprise them but this is the biggest stage in the world. To be able to raise the flag, for the world to see our flag, what it looks like and for them to know where South Sudan is on the map, that’s all we can fight for.”

Ivey’s enthusiasm is contagious and his passion is one of the primary reasons why South Sudan is here, at this moment, playing the world’s best on the grandest stage with a continent behind them.

“Africa loves us,” he said. “They support us. They’re rolling with us. This guy Luol has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. Just think about it, paying for gyms, paying for hotels, paying for plane tickets. That’s all him. Kudos to Luol.

“My life is a movie right now. Being in the Olympics, getting our first win. I’m proud of my players. Everybody contributed. This is so surreal; I couldn’t experience anything better than this. I’m so thankful for the opportunity.”

Gary Washburn is an Olympic Channel correspondent and National NBA Writer for the Boston Globe.