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 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 Senegal’s Sadio Mané, Nigeria’s Anthony Joshua and Israel Adesanya, 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 most African immigrants, Khaman didn’t have it easy; his journey into the NBA wasn’t a walk in the park. There were hurdles to cross and points to prove. He was born in Rumbek in South Sudan before living as a refugee with his mother in Kawempe, Uganda.
His road to the NBA started when a motorcyclist saw him at 14 walking down the street and encouraged him to play basketball. That simple word of advice birthed his desire, which he followed through by joining the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal.
He became an NBA Academy Africa graduate by 16 and was selected to represent South Sudan at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Even that wasn’t a sweet experience for Khaman; he faced issues with his immigration status earlier in the year due to the new immigration policy targeting South Sudan. The regulation aimed to revoke visas over the transitional government’s delays in accepting deported nationals.
Things, however, now look brighter for Khaman Maluach as his selection allows him to officially begin his NBA journey. It is easy to tell Khaman’s love for his roots, his suit on draft night featured the flags of both South Sudan and Uganda sewn into the inner lining, a worthy tribute to the country of his birth and the one that raised him when he had nothing. Maluach’s celebration is not just for the clicks; his 10th overall selection is the highest ever for an African player. This is more than a win for the young prodigy Khaman Maluach; this is a win for the content of Africa.
