Khaman Maluach's rise to stardom over the past year with the South Sudan national team and Duke Blue Devils may have appeared sudden, but for those who have been paying attention to the 7-foot-2 center in Africa, it is no surprise. At just 18 years old, Maluach is already turning heads as one of the most promising young basketball prospects in the world and a potential top-five pick at the 2025 NBA Draft. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of sport.
Born on September 14, 2006, in Rumbek, South Sudan, Maluach's journey begins in a war-torn nation. The chaos of the South Sudanese Civil War significantly affected his early existence. Seeking safety, his family moved to Kawempe, a suburb on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, where Khaman spent his childhood with his mother and siblings while his father, Madit Maluach, stayed in South Sudan for work.
In Uganda, Maluach attended Bethel Covenant College in Bwejjaba. His exceptional height grabbed attention early on; by the age of 13, he stood 6 feet 7 inches tall. A local coach saw his talent and introduced him to basketball, a defining moment that inspired Khaman to attend a camp conducted by former NBA great Luol Deng, reigniting his passion for the game. "I actually don't know the year I left South Sudan... I don't remember anything, moving to Uganda. All I know is that I grew up in Uganda," Maluach told ESPN.
In 2021, Khaman joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, where he refined his skills while balancing intense training with academic endeavors. His journey from a Ugandan immigrant to a rising basketball prodigy demonstrates his resilience and determination. Maluach's trajectory from being born in a war-torn country to becoming a basketball phenom exemplifies the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and pursue aspirations despite all odds.
Malauach's potential was evident in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), where he showed remarkable improvement year-on-year. In 2022, he played for South Sudan's Cobra Sport, primarily impacting games in the paint. The following year, he played with Senegal's AS Douanes, starting in the semi-final win over Petro de Luanda and the final defeat to Al Ahly. By the 2024 tournament, he was the leader of Uganda's City Oilers at the age of 17, dominating all aspects of play.
His performances in the BAL caught the attention of scouts and analysts, and he was the youngest player in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at age 16. Maluach played against Team USA both before and during the tournament, contributing an impressive 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block in a friendly game where Team USA narrowly won 101-100. In the Olympics, Team USA applied pressure on Maluach, exposing his lack of experience in a 103-86 win; however, his performances against seasoned professionals were nothing short of miraculous.
After a year at Duke University, Maluach has grown into a key player, contributing significantly to the team's success. His presence on the court has been transformative, providing Duke with a dominant force in the paint and a reliable scorer. Maluach's impact was particularly evident during the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament, where he played a pivotal role in helping Duke secure the championship. His performances throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the All-Tournament First Team, a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure.
As Duke made its Elite Eight run, Maluach's contributions were crucial. In a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16, he rejected four shots, anchoring a defense that proved instrumental in the win. With Cooper Flagg on the roster, Duke's path felt inevitable, but Maluach's emergence as a force in the paint solidified their chances.
Standing at 7-foot-2, Maluach possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill that NBA teams covet in a modern big man. His rapid rise and consistent improvement have made him one of the most talked-about prospects for the NBA Draft. Making the All-Tournament First Team is a clear indication of his impact and readiness for the next level. Moreover, Maluach's journey from a refugee camp to the pinnacle of college basketball adds an inspiring narrative to his draft profile.
NBA teams are not just investing in a player with immense potential, but also in a young man with the character and resilience to overcome adversity. His ability to adapt, learn, and excel in different environments—whether at the BAL, the Olympics, or at Duke—demonstrates his versatility and mental toughness. Maluach is already a tremendously talented basketball player, but all indications are that the best is yet to come.
Today, Khaman Maluach is a symbol of hope and endurance, encouraging individuals with his journey from adversity to sports success. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khaman’s mother and other family members flew from Kampala to witness his Olympic debut, marking an important day in their shared story. As he continues to excel at the collegiate level, the anticipation for his future in the NBA grows.
