Khaman Maluach is a name that echoes with reverence across the basketball world today. At 7-foot-2, the towering South Sudanese phenom has officially etched his place in history after being selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft. But what makes Maluach’s story truly unique isn’t just his height, potential, or the fact that he’s now one of the most coveted young big men in professional basketball. It’s the path he took — a transformative journey that began not on a traditional hardwood court, but on the sun-scorched streets of Uganda.
This is the story of how one moment on a Ugandan street transformed a young refugee’s life, leading him to the world’s biggest basketball stage.
Humble Beginnings: A Child of Displacement
Born in South Sudan, Khaman Maluach was forced to flee his homeland at a young age due to ongoing conflict and instability. Along with his family, he sought refuge in Uganda, where they eventually settled in a crowded refugee camp near Kampala. The struggles were immense — food insecurity, limited access to education, and a constant fight for basic necessities. Yet through it all, Maluach carried himself with quiet resilience.
He never touched a basketball in his early childhood. Like many boys his age, he kicked around a makeshift soccer ball made from bundled plastic bags. But even among his peers, his extraordinary height made him stand out. While it initially drew mockery or curiosity, it would soon become the foundation of his destiny.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The turning point came when Khaman was around 12 years old, walking home through the bustling streets of Kampala. Towering over most adults, he caught the attention of a scout affiliated with the NBA Academy Africa program. The man pulled over, asked Khaman if he had ever played basketball, and invited him to a local tryout. Skeptical and unfamiliar with the game, Khaman initially hesitated. But curiosity — and the encouragement of a camp worker — led him to the tryout the next day.
That decision changed everything.
Despite not knowing the rules, his raw physical gifts and fluid movements stunned the coaches. He had coordination far beyond what was expected for someone of his size and age. The coaches saw in him what few others had: not just height, but possibility.
NBA Academy Africa: A Launchpad for Greatness
Soon after, Maluach was enrolled in the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal — an elite training facility built to nurture top African basketball prospects. Surrounded by experienced coaches, world-class facilities, and a group of similarly ambitious peers, Khaman blossomed. He learned the game quickly, thanks to his sharp mind and unrelenting work ethic.
It didn’t take long before Maluach emerged as a dominant force in regional tournaments. He was mobile, athletic, and possessed a wingspan that covered an entire lane. Coaches began comparing his physical presence to the likes of Rudy Gobert and Kristaps Porziņģis. But Maluach wasn’t satisfied with just being tall — he wanted to be skilled.
He worked tirelessly on his footwork, shot mechanics, and defensive timing. He became a vocal leader on the floor, showing maturity that belied his years. By the age of 16, scouts from colleges, NBA teams, and international clubs were circling. His profile rose steadily.
Breaking Out on the Global Stage
Maluach’s global breakthrough came during the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, where he represented South Sudan. Despite competing against older and more experienced players, he held his own. His performances included a double-double against Team USA and a series of dominant defensive displays that had analysts raving about his potential.
That tournament changed the narrative around him. He was no longer just a “project.” He was a prospect — and a dangerous one at that.
In 2024, he participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, where he squared off against some of the best American high school talent. Again, he impressed with his presence, court awareness, and developing offensive touch. Offers poured in from top NCAA programs, but Maluach had another vision in mind.
The Decision: Straight to the NBA
Instead of going the traditional NCAA route, Maluach made the bold choice to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft directly. With the NBA’s new CBA rules and his international training background, he was eligible — and ready.
His pre-draft process was nothing short of spectacular. Teams raved about his interviews, his humility, and his relentless drive. At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured in at 7’2″ with a 7’8″ wingspan and showed flashes of perimeter shooting during workouts.
More importantly, Maluach showed defensive instincts that couldn’t be taught. He had a natural ability to anticipate passes, time his blocks, and recover with remarkable agility. His upside was evident — a franchise-changing defensive anchor with the potential to develop into an offensive weapon.
Draft Night: A Dream Realized
On July 1, 2025, Khaman Maluach heard his name called as a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft. The moment was surreal. As he stood on the Barclays Center stage, tears welled up in his eyes. Draped in a custom suit with South Sudanese colors sewn into the lining, he represented not just himself, but a nation and continent.
“It’s not just about basketball,” Maluach told reporters after being drafted. “It’s about where I came from. The struggles. The journey. This is for every refugee who thinks they’re forgotten. You are not.”
His words echoed across social media. NBA veterans like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid — fellow African stars with difficult upbringings — congratulated him. The South Sudanese president called to congratulate his family. The refugee camp in Uganda held an all-night celebration in his honor.
What Makes Him Special on the Court
Maluach enters the NBA with a rare blend of tools:
- Elite shot-blocking instincts: He averaged 3.5 blocks per game in his last season with the NBA Academy.
- Mobile feet: He can switch onto guards in the pick-and-roll, a critical skill in today’s NBA.
- Emerging jump shot: Though not yet a stretch five, he has shown the ability to hit midrange shots and even the occasional corner three.
- High basketball IQ: Coaches laud his ability to absorb information quickly and make the right reads.
- Humble leadership: He lifts teammates, listens to coaches, and embodies a team-first attitude.
Many scouts believe that with the right development program and patience, he could become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate — with All-Star potential.
Off the Court: A Symbol of Hope
Maluach’s impact extends far beyond the hardwood. He is quickly becoming a global ambassador for youth in conflict zones. UNICEF, for whom he has already done refugee awareness campaigns, released a statement saying, “Khaman’s story is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the power of sport to change lives.”
He has pledged to donate a portion of his rookie contract to education and sports programs in South Sudan and Uganda. Plans are already underway for a basketball court to be built in the very refugee camp he once called home.
A Future Unwritten, but Promising
Khaman Maluach has already defied every odd imaginable. From a refugee camp to an NBA lottery pick — it is a story of hope, determination, and the belief that greatness can rise from anywhere.
In a league obsessed with “what’s next,” Maluach is the rare player who reminds us where we came from matters just as much as where we’re going.
As he embarks on this new chapter in the NBA, fans around the world — from Kampala to Khartoum, New York to Nairobi — will be watching. Not just to see blocks or dunks, but to witness a living reminder that dreams can rise even from the harshest soil.
And as he put it so perfectly on draft night: “This isn’t the end of my story. It’s just the beginning.
