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Marial Shayok

Marial Makur Shayok is a South Sudanese-Canadian professional basketball player.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Marial Makur Shayok is a South Sudanese-Canadian professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Virginia and Iowa State, and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 NBA draft. Shayok has represented South Sudan internationally, including at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Early life and education

Shayok was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 26, 1995, and grew up in the city before moving into the U.S. basketball pathway. He attended St. Patrick's High School in Ottawa before transferring to Blair Academy in New Jersey.

College career

He played at Virginia before transferring to Iowa State, where he completed his college career. Iowa State lists him as a guard from Ottawa, Ontario, and notes his senior-season honours.

Professional career

Shayok was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 and played briefly in the NBA. Later records show professional stints beyond the NBA, including G League and overseas play.

International career

Shayok has competed for South Sudan in senior FIBA events. FIBA records show appearances at the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic tournament, along with youth-level international competition earlier in his career.

Key facts

  • Born in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 26, 1995.
  • Played college basketball for Virginia and Iowa State.
  • Selected 54th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 NBA draft.
  • Listed as a guard-forward, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m).
  • Represented South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
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Canadian context

He was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and is part of Canada's basketball diaspora; Canadian media coverage has highlighted him as a top Ottawa-born prospect and a notable Canadian player with South Sudanese heritage.[10]

Frequently asked questions

What is Marial Shayok known for?
He is known as a Canadian professional basketball player who was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 and has played internationally for South Sudan.
Where was Marial Shayok born?
He was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
What position does he play?
He is listed as a guard-forward; some sources also list him as a shooting guard or forward.
Which colleges did he attend?
He played college basketball for Virginia and Iowa State.
Was he drafted into the NBA?
Yes. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him 54th overall in the 2019 NBA draft.
Which national team does he represent?
He represents South Sudan in senior international basketball.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marial_Shayok
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, college career, NBA draft, international team participation, and current professional team listing.
  2. NBA — https://www.nba.com/player/1629621/marial-shayok
    Supports: Height, weight, nationality, college, draft position, and listed position.
  3. Basketball-Reference — https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/shayoma01.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, weight, position, draft details, and college history.
  4. FIBA — https://www.fiba.basketball/en/players/189079-marial-shayok
    Supports: Senior national-team representation and tournament statistics for South Sudan at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics.
  5. Iowa State Cyclones — https://cyclones.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/marial-shayok/9875
    Supports: College roster details, hometown, high school, height, weight, and honours.
  6. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/mariak-shayok-nba-draft-iowa-ottawa-1.5145954
    Supports: Ottawa background, St. Patrick's High School, and transfer to Blair Academy.