South Sudanese youngster picked 10th in 2025 NBA draft
South Sudanese sensation Khaman Maluach has made history as the highest-drafted African-born player in NBA history, going 10th overall to the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. The 18-year-old's inspiring journey - from fleeing conflict to starring at Duke and the Paris Olympics - now enters a new chapter in the NBA.
South Sudanese basketball prospect Khaman Maluach was selected 10th overall in the 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft on Wednesday night, becoming the highest-drafted African-born player in history.
The 18-year-old center was picked in the first-round draft by the Houston Rockets but will head to the Phoenix Suns as part of a trade deal for superstar Kevin Durant.
Born in Rumbek, South Sudan in 2006 and raised near Kawempe, Uganda after his family fled conflict, Maluach's basketball journey began unexpectedly at age 14, when a motorcyclist urged him to take up the sport.
Maluach welcomed the advice and this led him to the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, where he quickly emerged as a standout talent.
By 16, Maluach had already joined Duke University's Blue Devils basketball team in North Carolina and earned a spot on South Sudan's national team, representing the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the 2024/25 season for the Blue Devils, Maluach, standing at 7ft 2in, posted averages of 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He also converted 71.2% of his field goal attempts and 76.6% of his shots from the free-throw line.
On draft night, Maluach wore a custom suit lined with the flags of South Sudan and Uganda, paying homage to his roots.
"Being delusional about my dreams, believing I'd make it to the NBA one day and now I'm here," he said after the draft, holding back tears.
"I'm here representing the entire continent. Leaving Africa, I had the whole continent on my back, giving hope to young kids and the next generation of African basketball players."
Earlier this year, Maluach's future in the U.S. was in limbo due to a Donald Trump-led policy that threatened to cancel visas for South Sudanese nationals.
However, his selection in the NBA Draft now grants him eligibility for a P1 visa, allowing him to launch his professional basketball career without further immigration hurdles.
"To come away with a young talent like him, from a great program, well-coached at Duke, very versatile. He brings a major defensive presence. Last season, we ranked 27th in rim protection," said Phoenix Suns GM Brian Gregory after the draft.
Other Topics To Read
Top Stories Today
