Houston Rockets' Royal Ivey is proud to represent South Sudan

We write about the Houston Rockets. That's just what we do here at SpaceCityScoop - but sometimes, we have to touch on bigger issues.

Let's talk about South Sudan. It's the world's youngest country. South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011. Life has not been easy in South Sudan. The nation is currently embroiled in its third war with the Sudan - and the first since the country became independent.

It's a harrowing tale of complex geopolitical factors. We won't begin to delve into them. We will say that, despite the suffering that people in this region endure, there can be inspiring stories that emerge from South Sudan.

Stories like Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey.

Houston Rockets assistant defies odds

The journey from South Sudan to the NBA is not an easy one. People who live in this part of the world do not have the same access to resources that people in North America do.

Yet, Ivey found his way to the NBA. He debuted in the league in 2004 and lasted for 9 seasons. Ivey wasn't a star player, but he was a hard-nosed defender who understood the game.

One of his countrymen noticed.

Houston Rockets assistant shares kinship with former NBA star

Africa has produced plenty of NBA talent. Ivey isn't even the only former player from South Sudan. Loul Deng was a household name in the NBA for years.

The pair of South Sudanese hoopers have a strong bond. Deng is the president of the South Sudan basketball team. When he was looking for a head coach, he went straight to Ivey.

Now, it's important for the pair to put their home country on the map.

Houston Rockets assistant represents country proudly

“We’re here to put South Sudan on the map. “We’re here to heal. To bring a country together through sports is something life-changing. I’ve been there and touched the ground and touched the people.”

-Royal Ivey, Houston Rockets assistant coach

Indeed. The world watched as Team USA narrowly escaped South Sudan in a one-point win in a recent exhibition. Although Team USA destroyed them in the first tournament game, nobody should expect Ivey or South Sudan to lay down:

That's not how they do things.