Akoldah Gak Bio
Akoldah Gak (born 12 July 2002) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League. Gak was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to parents who fled South Sudan. He played high school basketball at St Dominic’s College before receiving a scholarship to Blair Academy in the U.S. Gak launched his professional career in 2020 with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL and has since played for several teams, including a significant stint with the Capital City Go-Go in the NBA G League.
Early Life and Background
Akoldah Gak was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. His family emigrated from South Sudan, seeking a better life in Australia. Gak attended St Dominic’s College in Sydney, where he began to develop his basketball skills. His talent was recognized early on, leading to a scholarship at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, in 2018. This opportunity was facilitated by a basketball pipeline established by Luol Deng, a former professional player and Blair alumnus.
Path to Basketball
Gak’s journey in basketball began at a young age, with his high school experience laying the foundation for his future career. At Blair Academy, he honed his skills and gained exposure to a higher level of competition. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and he was ultimately drafted into professional basketball, marking the beginning of his career in the National Basketball League (NBL).
Akoldah Gak Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Akoldah Gak signed a three-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks on 12 October 2020, marking his entry into the NBL. Initially, he was rostered as a development player during the 2020–21 NBL season, gradually transitioning to a contracted player. Gak’s family chose for him to develop in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he received limited playing time during his tenure with the Hawks.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
In the 2023 off-season, Gak played for the Southern Districts Spartans in the NBL1 North, showcasing his skills and gaining valuable experience. He signed a two-year deal with the Cairns Taipans on 10 April 2023, furthering his career in the NBL. Gak joined the West Adelaide Bearcats for the 2024 season, where he was named the NBL1 Central U23 Player of the Year, a significant achievement in his young career. On 2 March 2025, he signed with the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League and joined the Washington Wizards for the 2025 NBA Summer League. He was later invited to their training camp and added to the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate.
Notable Works and Milestones
Gak’s signature achievement thus far is being named the NBL1 Central U23 Player of the Year in 2024. His journey from high school basketball to professional leagues highlights his dedication and talent in the sport.
Akoldah Gak Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Akoldah Gak has received recognition for his performance on the court, including his nomination for the NBL1 Central U23 Player of the Year in 2024.
Akoldah Gak Awards Won
Akoldah Gak has achieved notable recognition in his career, including winning the NBL1 Central U23 Player of the Year award in 2024.
Akoldah Gak Family
Information about Akoldah Gak’s family is limited. However, it is known that two of his older brothers have played college basketball, contributing to a family legacy in the sport.
Personal Life
Akoldah Gak maintains a relatively private personal life. His brothers, Gorjok and Deng, have played for the California Baptist Lancers and the Miami Hurricanes, respectively, indicating a strong basketball lineage within his family.