Adelaide 36ers rising star Majok Deng has been given a release from his SEABL team Mount Gambier Pioneers.
Majok has been on the sidelines after a severe ankle injury derailed his season with the Pioneers after playing only one game. He has since missed the clubs last 5 games.
The 2y year old is expected to bounce back from the injury within 2-3 weeks but with Majok receiving substantial interest from NBA teams for trial opportunities this year both parties have agreed it is best for him to focus on preparing for these NBA opportunities in June.
“I know that Majok is bitterly disappointed at not being able to join his team mates on court over recent weeks” “ He has been great support to them from the bench, whilst clearly frustrated at not being able to help on court.” Pioneers head coach Richard Hill said.
Majok has spent the last couple of weeks back in Adelaide having treatment with the 36ers physiotherapists and medical staff with a view to getting back on court as soon as possible.
The extent of Majok’s injury, together with the timelines around an extended trip to the US make this decision the only practical option available.
Deng recived an NBA shot in 2016 spending time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, summer league team. He was only able to participate in one summer league game that year, so making the most of his second chance of impressing NBA scouts is critical for Deng this off-season.
Majok will spend the next few weeks getting into peak condition with a view to impressing NBA scouts at camps in June with and eye on the NBA Summer League in July.
Deng attended Windsor Gardens Secondary in Adelaide before finishing his schooling in the United States. He played for Indian Hills Community College, averaging five points and 4.1 rebounds before transferring to play for Louisiana-Monroe. He averaged 18.4 points, seven rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in his senior year.
He was undrafted in the 2016 Draft. On May 17, he signed a three-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers where he has averaged 6 points and 2 rebounds over the past two seasons. Deng set a career high this season with 20 points which included making 13-of-14 free throws, in a 105–82 win over the Brisbane Bullets.
If Deng is unsuccessful with NBA teams he will return to Adelaide and play out the final year of his NBL contract.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
