IBN Notes: Fleeing a civil war in 1988 that has killed thousands in Sudan, Luol and his parents (and his three brothers, Deng, Ajou and Akuie, and five sisters, Arek, Akon, Abuk, Ayek and Chier) spent about 6 years in exile in Egypt.  Luol Deng then found himself in South Norwood, England, where his father was granted political asylum.  He eventually took up basketball, after growing too tall for football, where a recruiter spotted his unique skills and brought Luol to the Blair Academy in New Jersey, USA.  Deng excelled (on and off the court), and was listed as a top-two player in the majority of high-school player rankings (behind LeBron James), as well as earning First Team All-American by both Parade Magazine and USA Today and playing in the McDonald's High-School All-American Game.  His talents allowed his to attend basketball (and academic) powerhouse Duke where he continued to succeed (Deng was named Third Team All-ACC and was a unanimous ACC-All Freshman selection, also named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Atlanta Regional)  Now Deng, after a wrist-injury that sidelined him for part of his rookie campaign, with his versatile skills and work ethic, is one of the most promising stars of the NBA.  What an amazing journey and an amazing story.

Quotes: "I don’t like to think what I’d be doing if I’d stayed in Sudan. I could have had to fight. My life would have been very different. I’ve been so fortunate to be given this opportunity when others are struggling to survive." - Luol Deng, 2004