South Sudanese Khaman Maluach Selected 10th NBA Draft by Houston Rockets

Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old center from South Sudan, has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets and traded to the Phoenix Suns. Standing 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Maluach combines impressive physical attributes with a strong work ethic, a journey rooted in his upbringing as a refugee in Uganda and inspired by stories like Giannis Antetokounmpo's rise. His international experience includes representing South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and playing against a star-studded Team USA in pre-Olympic exhibitions, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. Maluach's draft moment was emotionally significant, surrounded by supporters and marking a milestone for African basketball development, especially as the highest draft pick from the NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League. However, his entry into the NBA is complicated by a U.S. visa and travel ban linked to South Sudan, reflecting broader geopolitical challenges that could affect his career start. Despite these obstacles, Maluach's maturity, resilience, and talent position him as a key figure in the NBA's growing African influence and a hopeful symbol for aspiring players across the continent.