A six-year NBA veteran, Greek Cup winner, and current member of Bayern Munich of the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and EuroLeague, Wenyen Gabriel brings big-game experience, leadership, and elite athleticism to South Sudan as they prepare for only the second AfroBasket tournament in their history.
Gabriel wasn’t present for the Bright Stars’ AfroBasket debut in 2021 (where they finished 7th), but he did join the squad for their inaugural FIBA World Cup campaign in 2023. In the Philippines, he showcased his rim-running prowess and defensive nous, leading South Sudan in blocks (2.6) and rebounds (6.8) per game while also adding 9.2 points per contest. Though the team placed 17th overall, they were the highest-ranked African nation at the tournament, making more history by qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time.
At Paris 2024, Gabriel displayed the same skillset that makes him such a valuable member of the Bright Stars roster. Using his 2.06m (6-foot-8) frame and 2.16m (7-foot) wingspan to full effect, he anchored the defense, averaging nine rebounds per game and leading all players in blocks with two swats per contest.
The 28-year-old was instrumental in the team’s success during the AfroBasket qualifiers (averaging a double with 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game) and will be central to South Sudan’s hopes of reaching the podium in Angola.