​A basketball court in Omaha, Nebraska, is becoming the starting point for a new generation of athletes with big dreams. The Omaha Talons Academy is helping young South Sudanese players develop their skills, confidence, and opportunities through the game they love. Founded by Koang Doluony, the program was created to support a community with incredible talent but limited access to high-level training. What began with a few children practicing on a simple outdoor court has grown into a basketball movement. Today, the academy represents hope, dedication, and the possibility of putting Omaha on the map as a basketball destination.Doluony’s connection with basketball began when he was young and quickly became a passion that shaped his future. After reaching Division I college basketball, he recognised that many South Sudanese players had the physical ability, determination, and natural talent to compete at the highest levels. However, many lacked the structured coaching, development programs, and exposure needed to reach those opportunities. This realisation inspired him to create the Omaha Talons Academy and provide young athletes with the support system he wished more players had.The program started in 2012 with only a few kids looking for basketball lessons. Their first training sessions took place on a concrete outdoor court, where players focused on fundamentals and pushed themselves to improve every day. Those early practices created the foundation for something much bigger. Over time, the academy gained attention from college coaches and helped several young athletes develop into outstanding basketball players.One of the program’s notable success stories is Greg, who joined the Omaha Talons during middle school. Through years of commitment and training, he became one of the top players in Nebraska and earned the Gatorade Player of the Year award for the state in 2016. His journey demonstrated how community support and proper development can transform young talent into competitive athletes.Beyond basketball, the academy carries a deeper meaning for many families. Several members of the South Sudanese community have experienced difficult journeys, including displacement and life in refugee camps before building new lives in the United States. For these athletes, basketball provides more than competition. It creates friendship, belonging, discipline, and a pathway toward a brighter future.Doluony remembers the humble beginnings of the program, including the days when players used a simple clothes hanger as their first basketball hoop. Those moments represent the creativity and determination that continue to drive the academy today. The program shows how passion can turn limited resources into meaningful opportunities.As South Sudanese athletes continue making an impact in basketball, Doluony believes Omaha can become a centre for this growing talent. The Omaha Talons Academy is not only developing players, it is building confidence, strengthen