Maluach’s rise from South Sudan to 10th pick at NBA Draft
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From barefoot in Uganda to the NBA’s global stage—Khaman Maluach’s rise inspires a new generation
From Dusty Streets to NBA Dreams: Khaman Maluach’s Rise to the Top
A Dream Realized in Brooklyn
At just 18, Khaman Maluach stood under the lights of Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as the 10th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, chosen by the Houston Rockets and traded to the Phoenix Suns. The young center from South Sudan wiped tears as he embraced NBA commissioner Adam Silver—tears that told the story of a journey few believed possible.
“I didn’t think I was going to cry,” Maluach admitted. “But my whole journey, my people, and the continent I represent flashed before my eyes.”
Born from Struggle, Built by Belief
Born in conflict-ridden Rumbek, South Sudan in 2006, Maluach fled with his family to Uganda. Raised in a low-income neighborhood in Kawempe, near Kampala, his early exposure to basketball came late. A boda boda rider suggested the lanky teenager try the sport at age 13.
With no shoes, he walked over an hour to the nearest court and played his first games in Crocs. Local coaches Wal Deng and Aketch Garang instantly recognized his talent and mentored him from the very beginning.
“He learned unbelievably fast,” Deng said. “I knew he would be special.”
A Rocket Ascent from Uganda to the World
Just a year after picking up a basketball, Maluach earned a scholarship to the prestigious NBA Academy Africa in Dakar, Senegal. It was the launchpad for his international career. By 16, he was representing South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and helping them qualify for their first Olympic Games.
His performance in the Basketball Africa League and MVP title at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp confirmed his status as a top prospect. He later committed to play college basketball at Duke University.
A Family’s Joy, Shadowed by Visa Woes
In Entebbe, Uganda, Maluach’s family celebrated his draft announcement with prayers and dance. “It’s a blessing,” said his brother, Majok. However, their joy was bittersweet. Due to a U.S. travel ban on South Sudanese nationals, the family’s visa applications were denied. Only his sister, Agum, based in Australia, could attend the event.
“It has taken part of our joy,” said Coach Deng. “But seeing how far he’s come makes us proud beyond words.”
Maluach’s transition from an F1 student visa to a P1 professional athlete visa now solidifies his place in the U.S., where many international NBA players remain under similar status throughout their careers.
More Than an Athlete: A Beacon for Africa
Wearing a tailored suit lined with the flags of South Sudan and Uganda, Maluach made a bold statement: he is not just representing himself, but also his nations and the continent of Africa.
“I want to change the narrative of how people see Africa,” he said. “There’s more to us—our cities, our culture, our people. It’s beautiful.”
He dreams of sharing Africa’s richness beyond basketball, highlighting cities like Kigali, Senegal’s beauty, and Uganda’s safaris to global audiences.
Eyes on Greatness
Now part of the Phoenix Suns, Maluach is ready for the next phase. “I’m going to learn the game, improve every day, and stay consistent,” he said. He models his game after Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, and boldly speaks of a future in the NBA Hall of Fame.
“I believed in myself before anyone else did,” he said. “Let God take care of the rest.”
A Message to Every African Child
Maluach’s story is not just about basketball—it’s about faith, persistence, and the boundless potential of youth.
“Seeing him go from basics to the NBA is rare,” Coach Deng added. “He’s hope for every African child that anything is possible.”
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