From escaping civil war in South Sudan to 10th pick at NBA Draft

Khaman Maluach used to have the unattainable dreams while wandering through Kawempe, a depressed suburb close to Kampala, in his day-dreams.

The 18-year-old’s name echoed through the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night as the player’s name was announced as the 10th pick overall in the 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft.

After beginning the sport at age 13, Maluach’s talent has already made him compete in South Sudan at the Fiba World Cup and the Olympic Games. He was forced to wear Crocs his first games.

Even so, the 7’11” center posed for a picture on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who was clearly moved by his expression and his tears.

Maluach said, “I didn’t think I was going to cry.”

“But everything was just going through my head, my entire journey, my people, and the continent I represent,” he said.

I had faith in myself. In my dreams, I had a mental illness. It demonstrates that you can win, regardless of what the odds are.

The teenager had a special suit jacket with lining that displayed the flags of South Sudan and Uganda.

Joy had erupted when he returned to his home country in Entebbe, Uganda, where his family is based.

As they heard his name called, his mother, Mary Aweng, his older brother Majok Madit Maluach, and other siblings performed a heartfelt prayer.

Due to a South Sudanese travel ban that affects South Sudanese citizens, Maluach’s family planned to be by his side with him.

Only his sister Agum Madit, who lives in Australia, was able to attend the New York event.

Maluach’s coach from the program that initially screened him at the Solid Skills Academy in Kampala was also scheduled to attend.

That was incredibly unfortunate. “Coach Wal Deng told BBC Sport Africa, “It has taken some of our joy.”

“But we’re still so proud of him,” he said.

It resembles a dream that is actually real. This is an incredible thrill given how far he has come since learning the fundamentals of basketball and since joining the NBA.

Maluach’s standing in the US appears to be secure right now.

He had an F1 visa, the standard US student visa, that he had obtained after signing with Duke University, which was suspended in April for South Sudanese nationals.

While Maluach waited the NBA Draft, Maluach’s F1 status had already reverted to a tourist visa.

He will now be drafted and will transition to a P1 visa, which is typically granted to professional athletes competing in major US sports.

Maluach’s family fled to neighboring Uganda to escape conflict and was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, in 2006.

Basketball only became a sport after a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) rider encouraged him to pursue it because of his height after being raised by his mother alongside six siblings in Kawempe.

Last year, Maluach told BBC Sport Africa that the closest court was an hour away and that I didn’t even have shoes.

Deng and Aketch Garang, the local coaches, quickly identified his potential, though.

He “lerned so quickly,” Deng claimed. Aketch said, “I told him, this kid would be the next big thing.”

Maluach’s first significant step toward the global stage was a scholarship to the NBA Academy Africa in Dakar, Senegal, within a year.

The teenager attributes his “level up” to competing against the best talent in the continent.

Through his participation in the 2023 Fiba World Cup, he was 16 years old and playing for South Sudan’s national team, helping them win their first Olympic medal.

He made the commitment to play for Duke after earning MVP honors at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Africa camp and MVP honors in the Basketball Africa League.

Five years after taking the first step in front of a court, Maluach is gearing up for a remarkable journey that has been based on perseverance and faith.

After being chosen by the Houston Rockets and then immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns, he declared, “It’s a day I’ll never forget.”

Deng ginned proudly while observing from a distance.

It’s “really rare to see him go from learning the fundamentals to the highest level.”

Maluach is aware of his position in the community beyond the court.

He said, “I want to change the way people perceive Africa.”

“I’m considering showing them fantastic locations in Africa like Kigali, Senegal, and safaris.” What they see on television is different from the cultures and people we have.

The Phoenix center is eager to launch.

He said, “I’m going to learn how to navigate the league, how to improve, and how to maintain consistency all year.”

“I’m excited to sport the Suns jersey with the word “Maluach” on the back.”

Although Cooper Flagg, Maluach’s Duke teammate, may have been the top draft pick, Maluach has kept his lofty goals of inducting into the NBA Hall of Fame.

He hopes to play alongside those same idols as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, and he has already modeled his game on them.

He said, “I firmly believed in myself before anyone else.” Let the rest be left to God.