From Sudan to the NBA: The resilient journey of Duop Reath
In short: Born in Sudan and raised in Australia, Duop Reath’s path to the NBA was anything but linear. After a sudden growth spurt shifted his focus from soccer to basketball, he navigated college ball, international leagues in Serbia and China, and the highs and lows of NBA roster moves to reach the professional peak.
Duop Reath's professional trajectory is a testament to persistence. Born in Waat, Sudan, he moved to Brisbane, Australia, at age nine with his parents and six siblings. Originally an aspiring soccer player for the Socceroos, a significant growth spurt during year 10 redirected his athletic ambitions toward basketball. He began his collegiate journey at Lee College in Texas before moving to the LSU Tigers, where he became a standout performer in the SEC.
His time at LSU showcased his ability to perform under pressure. During the 2016–17 season, he averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, earning SEC Player of the Week honors. He continued to develop his scoring ability, notably recording a career-high 31 points against Vanderbilt on 20 January 2018. Despite being undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Reath refused to let his career stall, instead seeking opportunities across the globe.
Reath's journey included stints with FMP and Crvena zvezda in Serbia, the Illawarra Hawks in Australia, and the Qingdao Eagles in China. His international success, including helping Al Riyadi Beirut win the West Asia subdivision championship, eventually paved the way for his NBA career. After navigating contract waivers and two-way deals with the Portland Trail Blazers, he eventually signed with the Phoenix Suns in September 2026, following an injury to teammate Mark Williams.
Beyond the individual grind, Reath has been a vital part of the Australian national team, known as the Boomers. He contributed to the team's bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was selected for the Paris Olympics squad in July 2024.
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