10 Questions and Answers with Mangok Mathiang 

The RSSB Tigers stormed into the 2026 Kalahari Conference with two consecutive victories, and Mangok Mathiang made a remarkable impact.

A dominant force in the paint, the 6'10" South Sudanese center averaged 12.5 points and 17.5 rebounds per game, making a significant contribution at both ends of the floor.

With the RSSB Tigers dreaming of clinching one of the four playoff spots for Kalahari Conference teams, Mathiang remains a vital member of a team aiming to match or better the achievements of previous Rwandan teams in the BAL.

In this interview, 33-year-old Mangok Mathiang talks about growing up thousands of miles away from Africa, his family, his career with the national team, the meaning of the BAL, and much more.

Q. The RSSB Tigers are now 2–0 with two more games to play here in Pretoria. Can you talk about the team’s main strength?

A: Our main weapon is our mentality: we must stay together. That’s the only way we can move forward. It's the only way to take care of the things you want to take care of. 

Q. Rwandan teams have made it to the BAL semifinals before, but no team has ever reached the Championship Game. Does this Tigers team have the potential to go all the way? 

A: Obviously, we have a lot to work on. Every game is a learning experience, but as competitors, we want to go all the way to the end. Our goal is definitely to lift that trophy, but we're taking it one game at a time. Despite being 2–0, we are not at all satisfied. This is the first round, and we just need to keep improving game by game.

Q. It’s a joy watching you play. You play hard with a smile on your face. Where does that come from?

A: I am a Christian, and I credit my mum. She has been the rock of my life. It's all about being grateful for whatever you're given. Smiling is my blessing; it goes a long way. I am enjoying this game and having fun with it. Playing hard is a given — it's something everybody should do.

Q: What were your first impressions of the BAL after the first two games?

A: I am honoured to be here. I have played all over the world, and I have always wanted to come here. I have wanted to come here for a couple of years now. The opportunity just hasn't presented itself until now. Now that I am here, I just want to give it my all and enjoy the experience.

Q. What was your reaction when you received the phone call inviting you to join a BAL team?

A: Excitement! It's great to be here playing in front of my home continent. I started playing basketball abroad, so it's fantastic to be here playing in front of the kids who have been following me. I am happy to be here.

Q. The BAL is here to stay, with its own distinct purpose.

A. Having our own league here on our own continent is wonderful. I just wanted to come here, be part of it, and show off my skills.

Q. Over the last few years, there has been a high demand for South Sudanese players. Two BAL MVPs, Nuni Omot and Jo Lual Acuil, hail from South Sudan, and teams tend to keep recruiting South Sudanese players. What makes South Sudanese players so special?

A: I think it's because we are the youngest country in Africa, and possibly the world, and we're a new commodity right now. We play basketball at a high-energy pace, and you can see a lot of skill. A lot of us have learned the game abroad, and that goes for a lot of African players as well. 

Q: What does the BAL mean to South Sudan, Africa, and to you personally?

A: The BAL has opened many doors for us and provided us with many opportunities. Growing up, I only saw basketball from afar, and I didn't even grow up in Africa. When I came back to South Sudan, I saw the joy not only of the nation, but also of the younger generation who have a hunger in their eyes and say, 'When I grow up, I want to be in those shoes'. I think that's what the Basketball Africa League is doing for future generations. The BAL gives them the belief that they can be there too. It was great to see Nuni and Jo win the [BAL] MVP awards. It gives them hope.  

Q: What is your current national team status? You have played for Australia.

A: I am currently a member of the South Sudanese national team. 

Q: Have you played in any official games for the Bright Stars of South Sudan?

A: Not really. I was part of the team for the World Cup qualifiers and the Olympics, but at the last minute I just didn’t make it. As you said, our national team has a lot of players who can come in and perform at a very high level. The positions are really tough to get. I am glad to be on the national team. Luol Deng obviously deserves a lot of credit for coming in and doing great things for the federation. He has played a key role in our success both here in the BAL and around the world.