Thu Jun 26 13:20:04 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**South Sudanese Refugee Khaman Maluach Drafted 10th Overall, Hopes to Inspire Africa**

**NEW YORK** – Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old originally from Rumbek, South Sudan, was drafted 10th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday. In an emotional moment at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Maluach, representing NBA Academy Africa and Duke University, struggled to contain his tears as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name. His draft rights have been traded and he is set to play for the Phoenix Suns.

Maluach’s journey is an inspirational one. Forced to flee his home country due to civil war in 2013, he grew up in a refugee camp in Uganda. He picked up basketball at the relatively late age of 13, encouraged by a stranger on a motorcycle. Despite limited resources, he persevered, catching the eye of South Sudanese basketball legend Luol Deng, and eventually joining NBA Academy Africa in Senegal.

“I’m here representing the whole continent of Africa,” Maluach said after the draft, highlighting his desire to inspire young Africans. He is the highest-drafted NBA Academy Africa player ever and aims to send his draft hat back to his coaches in Uganda.

Maluach was the youngest player at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and competed in the Paris Olympics 2024 representing South Sudan, a nation whose basketball program has seen significant growth under the leadership of Luol Deng. Despite previous visa issues, Maluach is expected to play for the Phoenix Suns.

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