NEWS worthy Clips (3/3)

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LUOL DENG ---- International Man of Basketball

Student of the game

Deng became a serous student of basketball while at Blair Academy. By his senior year he had worked hard and was one of the top high school players in the United States. Later at Duke University, his perfectly.

"When [Deng] got to Duke as a freshman, he was as mature as most juniors or seniors," says former Duke teammate J.J. Redick, now playing with the Orlando Magic NBA team. "He was the hardest working guy on the team."

Many Duke fans were upset when Deng left after one year to join the NBA. But, he reasoned, college is a step toward preparing to support yourself and your family, and he was to do that after one year.

Changing lives

Deng's father is back in Sudan almost full time now, having returned about three years ago to help restore nation. Deng's father is playing a significant political role in the peace process, acting as a liaison* between the Dinka and the Muslim government.

"My dad loves being here," Deng says. "No matter how long you're gone...it's still tough to leave your home. "

he and his dad are forming a foundation to help children in Sudan and raise awareness worldwide of the desperate conditions in Darfur. "I want to do more, hopefully with the U.N.," Deng says.
Deng, who received his British citizenship lat summer, considers London his home and hopes to play basketball for England in the 2012 Olympics there.

Changing the culture

Apart from his growing game, Paxson says Deng is one of the young players who has helped "change the culture" around the Bulls.

"He takes a very cerebral* approach to improving this game," Mantegna says. "He's very willing to his weaknesses instead of his strengths. He has been like that since he was 14."

Vocabulary Focus

liaison(n)--- someone who helps groups work effectively with each other

cerebral (adj)--- demanding careful reasoning and mental effort rather than feelings 

Specialized terms