Luol Deng OBE: GB legend recognised in Queen’s birthday honours list

British basketball legend Luol Deng has been awarded an OBE for his services to the sport in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

The London 2012 Olympian, 36, arrived in London as a refugee after escaping civil war in South Sudan with his family before carving out a lengthy and successful career in the NBA.

He started his basketball career with Brixton Topcats before heading to the US where he was drafted as the 2004 seventh pick by the Chicago Bulls after developing into a top talent with Blair Academy and Duke University.

He went on top become a talisman for the national team making his debut in 2007 and winning 41 caps as GB’s greatest-ever player.

“I’m truly honoured to be awarded with the Order of British Empire joining such a prestigious group of people,” said Deng.

“I will always be thankful for the opportunity provided by UK for me and my family as a refugee.”

Deng, who retired from the NBA after 15 seasons in 2019, funds an annual ‘Deng camp’ for the most gifted young players in the country and launched the Deng Basketball Academy as part of his Luol Deng Foundation.

GB Basketball chair Toni Minichiello said: “Luol is an inspirational figure to everyone in British basketball and we congratulate him on his achievements and this well-deserved honour.”