From Kampala to the NBA: Khaman Maluach’s Extraordinary Journey to Top-10 NBA Draft Glory
In a story that feels more like a cinematic triumph than a basketball resume, Khaman Maluach, the 7’2″ phenom from South Sudan who first touched a basketball on the streets of Uganda, has officially entered NBA history — selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Maluach’s journey to the global stage defies every conventional pathway. Born in a refugee community in South Sudan and raised in Uganda, Khaman never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. In fact, he didn’t even pick up a basketball until his teenage years. It was a transformative moment on a dusty street in Kampala — when a local coach noticed the towering, lanky teen — that changed everything.
“He had never really played before, but you could see the potential,” said a former coach at the NBA Academy Africa. “Once he committed, it was like watching a miracle unfold in slow motion.”
Maluach joined the NBA Academy Africa, an elite training program designed to discover and develop the continent’s next generation of talent. And in just a few years, he transformed from a raw, curious athlete into a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Scouts were mesmerized by his shot-blocking instincts, soft shooting touch, and the maturity with which he approached the game.
By 17, he was already representing South Sudan’s senior national team, becoming one of the youngest players in history to play in the FIBA World Cup. There, he held his own against seasoned professionals, gaining attention from NBA front offices who saw beyond the stats — they saw the story, the drive, and the ceiling.
Leading into the 2025 NBA Draft, Maluach skyrocketed up draft boards. During private workouts, he stunned executives with his 3-point range, ball-handling, and surprisingly polished footwork for someone of his height. But more than that, it was his attitude that sealed the deal.
“He’s humble. He’s hungry. And he wants to get better every single day,” said one NBA GM. “That’s the kind of player you build a future around.”
On draft night, as Khaman’s name was called among the top 10 picks, emotions ran high — not just for him, but for an entire continent. He hugged his family, who made the journey from Africa to attend the event, tears flowing freely as the magnitude of the moment sank in.
This was about more than basketball. It was about opportunity, hope, and the power of potential.
Maluach now becomes one of the youngest international players ever drafted in the lottery and a beacon for African basketball development. As the NBA continues to expand its global reach, Khaman’s rise signals a new era — one where talent can rise from anywhere, and no dream is too distant.
From the sun-drenched streets of Kampala to the glowing lights of the NBA Draft stage, Khaman Maluach’s journey is just beginning. And the league better be ready — because a 7’2″ storm is coming.
