From South Sudan to the NBA Draft: Khaman Maluach’s Journey to Stardom

Khaman Maluach’s rise in the basketball world may seem swift, but it is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in his dreams. Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, a town deeply affected by political unrest and civil war, Maluach’s early life was filled with uncertainty. Seeking safety and a better future, his family moved to Uganda when he was still a young child. While he does not recall the move, Maluach grew up in Kawempe, a district in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Initially drawn to football and an avid Manchester United supporter, his passion would soon shift towards basketball.

In 2019, at the age of 13, Maluach attended a basketball camp organised by the Luol Deng Foundation. This experience would be the defining moment that set his life on a new trajectory. “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. What began as a casual introduction to the sport quickly became a lifelong commitment. Deng, a former NBA player of South Sudanese descent, has long been a proponent of developing African talent through his foundation, and Maluach was soon recognised for his potential.

By 2021, Maluach had earned a prestigious spot at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal. The academy is a training ground for some of the best young talent in Africa, offering advanced coaching and educational support. It was here that Maluach began to hone his skills, preparing for a potential career in professional basketball.

As part of the NBA’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elevate Program, Maluach played for South Sudan’s Cobra Sport in 2022. The following year, he took on a more significant role with AS Douanes of Senegal, before joining Uganda’s City Oilers in 2024. At just 17 years old, Maluach was leading the Oilers deep into the BAL tournament. His performances quickly earned him recognition not just in Africa but around the world as a future star.

Maluach’s journey then took him to Duke University, one of the most prestigious basketball programmes in the United States. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his remarkable 7-foot-2 frame and versatility on the court. His standout performance during the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament helped secure the Blue Devils’ championship win, and he was named to the All-Tournament First Team.

This incredible tournament performance thrust Maluach into the global spotlight, solidifying his status as a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. NBA scouts have been captivated by his rare combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ. With his journey from war-torn South Sudan to the threshold of the NBA, Maluach has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.