Alaska’s JT Thor makes 1st Olympic appearance with South Sudan basketball

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man who once dropped dimes at West Anchorage High School is now off to compete on the Olympic Games.

Former Eagle and 2021 NBA Draft Selection JT Thor is set to hit the world stage. Competing alongside the South Sudan basketball in Group C of the Paris Games Men’s Basketball Group Stage.

Sunday’s game will not be his first though. Thor was also a part of the team’s preliminary matchups, including against Team USA, where a 3-point shot from the former Anchorage resident nearly pushed the East African nation to a shocking upset over one of the world’s best lineups.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Thor moved to Anchorage at the age of five, living in Fairview until he was 14. After his freshman season with the West Anchorage High junior varsity program, Thor moved to the state of Georgia, graduating from Norcross High School before earning a scholarship to Auburn University in Alabama.

Upon turning pro, Thor was selected 37th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2021 NBA draft. Across three seasons in the NBA, Thor averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

South Sudan begins the group stage against Puerto Rico. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 a.m. Alaska time from Paris, France. The South Sudan men continue group play with games against the United States on July 31 at 11 a.m. (Alaska time), and against Serbia on Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. (Alaska time).

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