At 27 years old, Duop Reath stands out among the Portland Trail Blazers' rookies, not for his accolades or draft position, but for his unique journey to the NBA. Born in war-torn South Sudan, Reath and his family sought refuge in a Kenyan camp before eventually settling in Australia. Despite facing language barriers and cultural shock, Reath found solace in sports, particularly soccer and Australian Rules Football.
Transitioning to basketball in Perth, Reath excelled and caught the eye of Marcus King, a coach from the United States. King offered Reath a scholarship to play basketball in Texas, where he faced challenges adapting to a higher level of competition. Undeterred, Reath's hard work paid off, leading him to LSU and eventually a brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks' summer league team.
Following experiences in European leagues and the Australian NBL, Reath earned a spot on the Australian national team for the 2021 Olympics, where he contributed to the team's bronze medal finish. His success continued with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, showcasing his versatility as a floor-spacing big man.
Despite setbacks like an ankle injury during the Phoenix Suns' summer league and subsequent stints in China and Lebanon, Reath's determination and talent shone through, averaging impressive numbers and garnering attention for his skills on the court. His journey from humble beginnings to the NBA exemplifies resilience, hard work, and the power of pursuing one's dreams against all odds.
