Brooklyn, New York – The 2025 NBA Draft was a night of dreams realized, but few stories resonated with the raw emotion and profound triumph as deeply as that of Khaman Maluach. The 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan, who once endured unimaginable hardships in a refugee camp, stood on the grand stage at the Barclays Center, clad in a meticulously tailored suit, shaking Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand as the 10th overall pick. This moment, confirmed by ESPN, was more than just a personal victory; it was a symbol of hope that transcended basketball, leaving fans across the globe, and particularly on the African continent, in tears.
“I had no shoes,” Maluach reportedly told ESPN in the days leading up to the draft, a stark and powerful testament to the humble beginnings that shaped him. He wasn’t exaggerating. His childhood in Uganda, where his family sought refuge after fleeing the civil war in South Sudan, was marked by scarcity. He learned the rudimentary elements of basketball not on polished hardwood courts, but on dusty, uneven terrain, where the fight was not against skilled defenders, but against potholes, hunger, and the constant uncertainty of life as a refugee.
Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, in 2006, Maluach moved to Kawempe, Uganda, at the age of two. His incredible height quickly became apparent, even to casual observers. It was a chance encounter with a “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) driver who, upon seeing the unusually tall teenager walking down the street, suggested he try basketball. This seemingly small moment proved to be a pivotal turning point in Maluach’s life. He began playing at age 14, attending a local camp organized by South Sudanese NBA legend Luol Deng, who has been instrumental in developing basketball talent in the region.
From those barefoot beginnings, Maluach’s ascent was meteoric. His natural athleticism, coupled with his immense size and an insatiable work ethic, caught the attention of scouts. He soon joined the prestigious NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, a program designed to identify and cultivate elite basketball prospects from across the continent. At the Academy, he honed his skills, adding muscle to his slender frame and absorbing knowledge at an accelerated pace. He became the youngest player ever to enroll at the NBA Academy Africa.
His talent was undeniable, and he quickly made a name for himself on the international stage. At just 16 years old, he represented South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the third-youngest player to ever appear in the tournament. South Sudan’s surprising success in the World Cup, which led to their qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics (where Maluach was again the youngest player in the tournament), further amplified his profile. He also excelled in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), leading the league in rebounding in 2024 and becoming the first-ever player from the BAL to be drafted into the NBA.
His journey then led him to the United States, where he signed with Duke University for the 2024-2025 season. At Duke, under Coach Jon Scheyer, Maluach continued to refine his game, playing a pivotal role as a starter for a team that reached the Final Four. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a dominant defensive force and a rapidly developing offensive player.
The moment NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name as the 10th overall pick (initially by the Houston Rockets, with his rights subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Kevin Durant trade), the emotions that had been building for years finally burst forth. Maluach bowed his head, shaking with disbelief as tears streamed down his face. He later composed himself to walk across the stage, but the raw, unfiltered display had already captivated millions.
“It’s such a special moment for me,” Maluach reportedly said, still visibly emotional. “Being delusional about my dreams, believing that I’m going to make it to the NBA one day and now, I’m here – I just got drafted.”
But as he wiped away his tears and walked up to accept his draft cap, it was clear he carried more than just his personal dream. Sewn into the inner lining of his draft night suit were the flags of both South Sudan and Uganda, a powerful tribute to the country of his birth and the country that provided him refuge and nurtured his nascent talent.
“I’m here representing the whole continent of Africa,” Maluach stated with profound conviction. “Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back, giving hope to young kids, inspiring young kids, the next generation of African basketball.”
His story is a beacon of hope, illustrating that talent, resilience, and opportunity can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. For fans watching globally, particularly those in Africa, Maluach’s tears were their tears of joy, pride, and inspiration. He embodies the spirit of every child who ever dared to dream beyond their immediate reality, every individual who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds.
For the Phoenix Suns, who acquired Maluach, he represents a high-upside pick. His 7-foot-2 frame, 7-foot-6.75-inch wingspan, and developing skills make him a tantalizing prospect for a team in need of rim protection and a defensive anchor. Suns General Manager Brian Gregory praised Maluach’s “pedigree and defensive upside,” noting that “last season, we ranked 27th in rim protection. He brings a major defensive presence.”
Khaman Maluach’s journey from playing barefoot on dusty streets to becoming an NBA lottery pick is a powerful narrative of perseverance. It’s a reminder that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. His success serves as an inspiration, a tangible proof that dreams, however audacious, can be realized. On that unforgettable draft night, the tears shed were not just for one young man, but for a continent, a family, and every child who ever dared to dream big, even with no shoes on their feet.
