Making history is becoming a habit for South Sudanese basketball sensation Khaman Maluach, who was raised in Uganda. On Wednesday night, he added another milestone to his remarkable journey by being selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, before his rights were traded to the Phoenix Suns.
The 18-year-old center, who stands at 2.1 meters and weighs 113 kg, became the highest-drafted player ever from NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). His selection places him among an elite group of former NBA Academy players taken in the first round, joining the likes of Josh Giddey (2021), Bennedict Mathurin, Dyson Daniels (2022) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (2023).
Born in South Sudan but raised in Uganda, Maluach’s basketball journey began to gain international momentum when he became the youngest player ever to enroll in an NBA Academy at just 14. That academy, based in Saly, Senegal, was launched in 2018 and has become a key stepping stone for Africa’s top talent.
“The NBA Academy opened my eyes and showed me my full potential,” Maluach said. “It was hard being a 14-year-old and going to another country, but I learned different cultures, languages, and how people live. It also taught me the game of basketball.”
After dominating as the 2023 Basketball Without Borders MVP, Maluach played one season at Duke University, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21 minutes per game. His efforts earned him a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
He was the third Duke player selected in the 2025 Draft, following Cooper Flagg (No. 1, Dallas Mavericks) and Kon Knueppel (No. 4, Charlotte Hornets).
Known for his elite defense, energy, and positive attitude, Maluach previously played three years of professional basketball in South Sudan before heading to Duke. His shot-blocking and rebounding prowess caught the attention of scouts early.
“I play with a lot of energy, and I bring positivity no matter what happens,” he said.
Emotions overcame him after hearing his name called on draft night.
“The moment exceeded my expectations,” Maluach said through tears. “This is one of the best days of my life. I didn’t think I was going to cry, but I did. I’m excited to put on a Suns jersey with my name on the back and step on the floor.”
Maluach expressed a deep sense of responsibility and pride in representing both South Sudan and Uganda, where he was raised.
“I want to show them the great parts and culture and change the narrative on how they see my continent,” he said.
His story adds to the growing global presence of African players in the NBA and highlights the success of developmental programs like NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Without Borders.
Elsewhere in the draft, Noa Essengue, a 6-foot-9 forward who starred at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during NBA All-Star 2024, was picked 12th by the Chicago Bulls, continuing France’s 10-year streak of having a player drafted. Yang Hansen from China was selected 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies (traded to Portland), becoming the first Chinese player drafted since 2016.
