From Ottawa to the world: 5 must-know facts about basketball star Marial Shayok

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Ottawa has produced remarkable basketball talent and Marial Shayok is no exception. The 28-year-old shooting guard has played in the NBA, FIBA World Cup and professional leagues worldwide. Here are five fun facts about one of Ottawa’s most exciting South Sudanese-Canadian athletes.

1. Basketball is in his blood

Shayok didn’t just pick up the game he was born into it his passion for basketball is generational. His father, Amadou Shayok, played professional basketball in Europe and his sister, Yar Shayok, was a standout at the University of Detroit Mercy.

2. He speaks three languages

Shayok’s game isn’t the only thing that’s versatile. He’s fluent in English, Arabic and Dinka, a reflection of his South Sudanese roots. Whether on or off the court, he’s got the skills to connect with people from all over the world.

3. First Ottawa native drafted to the NBA in over a decade

When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Shayok 54th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, he became one of the first players from Ottawa to reach the league in over a decade. He later played in the NBA G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, earning a two-way contract with the Sixers.

4. He chose to represent South Sudan

Shayok played for Canada at the junior level, but when it came time to compete internationally, he decided to represent South Sudan. He helped the team qualify for its first-ever FIBA World Cup in 2023, playing a key role in their historic run. It was a defining moment, not just for him but for South Sudanese basketball.

5. A scoring machine

Scoring has never been an issue for Shayok. In his rookie G League season, he averaged over 22 points per game with the Delaware Blue Coats, proving he’s got an elite offensive game. Whether it’s from deep or attacking the rim, he knows how to put the ball in the basket.

From Ottawa’s basketball scene to the global stage, Shayok’s basketball journey is still unfolding. Whether he’s playing in North America, Europe or on the international circuit, he’s carrying the South Sudanese Canadian basketball legacy with him.