Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old from South Sudan, has achieved an incredible dream, becoming the highest-drafted African player from the NBA Academy Africa in the 2025 NBA Draft.
His journey from a war-torn country and refugee camps to joining the Phoenix Suns is a powerful story of perseverance. Maluach sees himself as a symbol of hope for all of Africa, inspiring young players to believe in their dreams, and his success highlights the rapid rise of South Sudan in the world of basketball.
Khaman Maluach, born on September 14, 2006, in Rumbek, South Sudan, faced immense challenges early in life.
After civil war erupted in 2013, his family moved to a refugee camp in Kawempe, Uganda. It was there, at age 13, that his basketball journey unexpectedly began.
A passing motorcyclist encouraged him to play, predicting his future height.
Maluach started playing seriously after attending a local championship organized by South Sudanese basketball legend Luol Deng in 2019. He often walked 45 minutes just to find a place to play due to a lack of facilities.
At 7-foot-2 (218 cm), Maluach quickly stood out. His talent led him to the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal in 2021, where he significantly improved his skills and physical strength.
He credits the academy for guiding him toward success. In 2024, he moved to the United States to join Duke University, one of the top college basketball programs.
His selection in the NBA Draft, a dream he once considered “delusional,” became a reality on June 25, 2025, at the Barclays Center in New York.
While drafted by the Houston Rockets, his rights were immediately traded, meaning he will play for the Phoenix Suns in his rookie season.
Representing a Continent: Maluach’s Pride and Purpose
After hearing his name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, an emotional Maluach tearfully acknowledged the moment, calling it a day he would “never forget.”
He proudly wore a jacket lined with the colors of Uganda and South Sudan, symbolizing his roots and the journey that brought him to this point.
“I’m here representing the whole continent of Africa,” Maluach stated, emphasizing his role as an inspiration for young African aspiring basketball players.
He encourages them to be “delusional about your dreams” because sometimes, “they end up happening.”
Maluach plans to send his draft hat back to Africa, specifically to his two coaches in Uganda who taught him the game’s fundamentals.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his parents, watching from Uganda, for raising him with strong values and for their support. His ultimate goal is to bring his mother to the US to change her life.
South Sudan’s Basketball Rise: A Nation’s Resilience
Maluach’s success is also a testament to the remarkable growth of basketball in South Sudan.
Despite being the youngest nation at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, South Sudan became the only African team to directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Maluach was the youngest player at the 2023 World Cup and also part of the Olympic squad, even facing NBA stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Currently ranked 23rd globally by FIBA and top in Africa, South Sudan’s basketball success is credited to the players’ incredible resilience and hard work, according to head coach Royal Ivey.
Luol Deng, a former two-time NBA All-Star, has been pivotal in this rise, taking over as president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation in 2019.
Deng actively recruited South Sudanese players from the diaspora and has been instrumental in developing the sport in the conflict-affected nation, guiding it to new heights on the global stage.
