South Sudanese Basketball Star Khaman Maluach Drafted 10th by Houston Rockets, Traded to Phoenix Suns

Khaman Maluach, a towering center from South Sudan, made history at the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night when he was selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. The move marks a significant milestone not only for Maluach but for African basketball as a whole, underscoring the continent’s growing influence on the global stage.

Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, Maluach and his family fled to Uganda as refugees when he was a child. There, he was introduced to basketball at age 13 after a local motorcycle taxi driver noticed his exceptional height. Maluach’s talent was quickly recognized, and he soon joined basketball camps organized by former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, a fellow South Sudanese.

At 14, Maluach became the youngest player ever to enroll at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, a high-performance training center for the continent’s top prospects. He honed his skills under elite coaching and participated in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) through the BAL Elevate Program, playing for Cobra Sport (South Sudan), AS Douanes (Senegal), and City Oilers (Uganda).

On the international stage, Maluach made history by becoming the youngest player at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and later represented South Sudan at the Paris Olympics, facing off against NBA stars in exhibition games.

Maluach committed to Duke University, one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the United States. In his freshman season, the 7-foot-2 center averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors and helping Duke reach the Final Four.

On draft night, Maluach was selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets, making him the highest-drafted player ever to have come through NBA Academy Africa and the BAL. However, as part of a pre-arranged deal, the Rockets traded his draft rights to the Phoenix Suns, who view him as a foundational piece for their future. The Suns plan to pair Maluach with Mark Williams, forming a dynamic, defensively focused frontcourt.

Maluach’s journey from refugee to NBA lottery pick is a powerful testament to the impact of global basketball development programs. His success is expected to inspire a new generation of African athletes and highlights the NBA’s commitment to nurturing talent on the continent.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum praised Maluach as a “testament” to African basketball, emphasizing the importance of the league’s investment in grassroots development. “Khaman’s story is going to inspire men and women basketball players on the Continent,” Tatum said.

Scouts project Maluach as a defensive anchor with elite physical tools. While his offensive game is still developing, his ability to protect the rim, switch on defense, and finish around the basket makes him a valuable asset for the Suns. With professional training and experience, he is expected to develop into a starting-caliber NBA center.

For African basketball, Maluach’s story is a beacon of possibility—a reminder that with opportunity, support, and determination, dreams can become reality.