THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The Taipans’ trip to Bamaga reminds Deng of his own history, writes Matthew McInerney
WALKING through the small Far North town of Bamaga and seeing young children running, laughing and playing in the streets, Majok Deng could not help but be reminded of his childhood.
Taipans fan favourite and centre Nate Jawai led his teammates and staff on a three-day trip to Bamaga, where they learned about Indigenous culture and history while putting the finishing touches on their pre-season before the NBL Blitz.
It was a journey to the northernmost parts of Australia’s mainland that realised Jawai’s long-held dream of bringing the national franchise to his home town and educating its members about his background, history and culture, but also an important tool in bringing together the squad ahead of the long campaign.
But for Taipans forward Deng, it ran much deeper.
Born in Sudan, Deng spent four years living in a Kenyan refugee camp as a youngster before he joined family in Australia, and he could not help but recall those few years as he walked through the FNQ town.
“I could relate to a lot of things, especially me back home and being in a refugee camp,” he said.
“I can see a lot that was pretty similar to where I’ve been, so it was refreshing for me. It felt like I went back home. It was amazing to see kids running around like I used to.
“The kids were lovely when we were out there to shoot-around with them.
“We had time afterwards to talk to them, chat with them, and to see them smile, be happy, ask a lot of questions – we were able to help them.”
Before the trip, Jawai spoke of how this pre-season journey was a dream come true.
The 35-year-old is nearing the end of a playing career that started with the Marlins in Cairns.
There was a stint at the Australian Institute of Sport before his NBL debut for the Taipans in 2007, which served as a launch pad to his being taken with the 41st pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
He played throughout the world, but has been back at the Taipans since 2016 – but this is the first time the club has embarked on such a trip.
“It’s a big part of who I am, and they will really learn about the heritage of this country,” Jawai said.
“I am so proud to be an Aboriginal man and this experience will be incredibly special to me.
“It’s also nice to be able to go back home and check in with my family and friends before we get stuck into the competition. I always reflect on where I came from, and this reminder will give me so much motivation before the season starts. You should never forget your roots.”
For Deng, it was an eye-opening experience he believes could inspire the next Jawai – regardless of whether they pick up a basketball, Sherrin or Steeden.
“It was good to get up there, where Nate’s from and have him show us around,” he said.
“Where he’s from, the history. “It’s pretty beautiful ... all of the guys that went up there are lucky to be up there to learn about the place.
“It’s amazing to know you can put
a smile on somebody’s face, and you never know.
“Maybe one day, there will be a Nate or two out of those kids, and they can go back and do the same thing for the community. Just go there and inspire them.”
According to Deng, who was in fine form for the Marlins this NBL1 North season before injury cut his campaign short, it achieved the goal of bringing the group closer.
“I think it was good for us,” he said. “We learned more about each other.
“It’s a good little mini-camp just to get away from basketball and refresh, get to learn about each other. It will teach us a lot moving forward.”
And it reinforced just how
driven to win this group really is.
“I knew the guys were competitive ... but when we’re there (Thursday) and seeing the competitiveness, to see the drive everyone has,” he said.
“We just want to win. We all have that in common. Every single one of them, the new guys, too, are willing to do whatever it takes to win.
“Having these little breaks, the bond we’ve made over the past few days will helps us a lot heading into the season. I’m feeling good. Just eager to get back to playing games.”
The Taipans start their NBL Blitz pre-season campaign against Deng’s former club, the Adelaide 36ers, on November 14. You can watch every game live on KAYO Freebies.