In every African immigrant lies a familiar fire, the hunger to succeed, to rise above, and to make the world take notice. This is the story of a boy named Khaman Maluach whose dreams were once too big for the dusty streets he walked barefoot, a story of grit, grace, and an unshakable belief in the impossible. Like Nigeria’s Anthony Joshua, and Cameroon’s Joel Embiid; Khaman Maluach is the latest African immigrant to get to the top in a feat he has referred to as a “delusional dream”.
“Being delusional about my dreams, believing I’d make it to the NBA one day, and now I’m here,”
The 7ft 2 inches South Sudan-born basketball prodigy was drafted 10th overall in the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday (June 25th, 2025). Khaman, who plays centre, was picked by the Houston Rockets after having a great season at Duke University. At just 18 years old, the young African has said that he is responsible for inspiring the next generation of African basketball stars.
“Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back, giving hope to young kids, inspiring young kids, the next generation of African basketballers,” He said after the draft.
Khaman Maluach’s Journey to NBA Stardom
Like many African immigrants, Khaman’s path to the NBA was filled with obstacles and moments that required resilience. He was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, and later lived as a refugee with his mother in Kawempe, Uganda. His discovery almost feels cinematic. At age 14, a motorcyclist (a boda boda rider) stopped when he saw Khaman walking and encouraged him to try basketball. That chance remark ignited his drive.
He joined a local camp organized by Luol Deng and eventually earned a place at NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal—a program merging high-level training with education. By 16, he was already a graduate of the Academy, and was chosen to represent South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His Olympic and international journey wasn’t without complications.
Earlier in the year, Khaman faced visa challenges and immigration policy barriers impacting South Sudanese nationals due to his country’s transitional government delays. But despite those hurdles, his selection in the NBA Draft marked a turning point. He was drafted 10th overall in 2025, a historic moment as he became the highest-drafted player ever from both NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). As part of a trade, he landed with the Phoenix Suns.
On draft night, Khaman made sure to honor the duality of his roots: his suit’s interior bore the flags of South Sudan and Uganda, a tribute to his birthland and the country that nurtured him when resources were scarce. At Duke University, in his lone season, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in about 21 minutes per game, earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors.
Scouts praise him as a formidable defender with ideal size (7′2″) and a wingspan that gives him rim protection potential. His offensive game remains in development, particularly his jump shot and decision-making. Maluach’s story resonates far beyond individual success. It signals opportunities opening across Africa: from refugee paths to elite athletic platforms. His journey underscores that raw talent, combined with exposure and perseverance, can transcend structural disadvantages.
