Refugee to NBA Draft Pick: Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old South Sudanese basketball talent and former refugee, was selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and traded to the Phoenix Suns. His remarkable journey from Ugandan refugee camps to the NBA highlights hope, talent, and Africa’s growing impact in the sport.
Khaman Maluach’s story is a powerful reminder that talent can rise from anywhere. His journey from refugee camps to the NBA shows how global support systems like the NBA Academy can unlock life-changing potential.
Miler Michel
Summary
- Khaman Maluach was chosen as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- Drafted by Rockets, then traded to Phoenix Suns
- Stands 7’2″ with 7’6¾” wingspan
- Maluach completed one season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
- Grew up in refugee camps after fleeing South Sudan’s war
- Attended NBA Academy Africa in Senegal
- Youngest player in 2023 FIBA World Cup
- Will be South Sudan’s first Olympic basketball player
- Representing NBA’s growth and opportunity across Africa
- In an emotional moment, he stated, ‘I’m here to represent the entire continent of Africa.
Refugee Teen Becomes Top-10 NBA Draft Pick
Khaman Maluach, originally from Rumbek, South Sudan, and raised in refugee camps in Uganda, was picked 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite adversity, he rose through global basketball academies, particularly the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, to become one of the most promising prospects of the year. NBC News
Rockets Pick, Suns Trade: A Strategic Move
Initially drafted by the Houston Rockets, Maluach was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. The trade was part of a broader deal involving veteran Kevin Durant. At 7’2″, Maluach brings elite size and defensive promise to a Suns team in need of long-term interior presence. Fox News
College Stats & Global Experience
During his single season at Duke University, Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 71.2% from the field. He also represented South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, becoming the youngest on the national roster, and helped his country qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. CBS Sports
Visas and Triumph Over Hardship
Visa concerns and political tension surrounding immigration almost jeopardized Maluach’s college entry and NBA dream. Duke reportedly advocated strongly for him during tense periods when South Sudanese students faced restrictive U.S. visa conditions. NBC News
Refugee to NBA Draft Pick: For expert help through every step of the process, please contact Eden Recruitments for a personalized consultation and make your visa journey smoother and faster.
