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Khaman Maluach is no stranger to making headlines. At just 14 years old, he became the youngest individual to ever join an NBA Academy.
On Wednesday, he once again etched his name in history by being picked 10th by the Houston Rockets at the 2025 NBA Draft (later traded to the Phoenix Suns) – marking him as the highest-drafted player from NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League to date.
Maluach now joins an exclusive group of NBA Academy graduates who have been selected in the first round, which includes Josh Giddey (2021), Bennedict Mathurin and Dyson Daniels (2022), and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (2023).
The NBA Academy Africa, which opened its doors in 2018 in Saly, Senegal, has played a significant role in his development.
“The NBA Academy expanded my horizons and revealed my true potential for achieving success,” Maluach expressed. “It was tough adjusting as a 14-year-old in a foreign country, but the Academy exposed me to diverse cultures and languages as well as the lifestyles of others. It also honed my basketball skills.”
“It motivates me to see aspiring young athletes in Africa inspired by my journey…”
– Khaman Maluach reflects on his experience with NBA Africa Academy. pic.twitter.com/g6rzxw9lqQ
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 25, 2025
Originally from South Sudan, Maluach grew up in Uganda. The 7-foot-1, 250-pound center earned the MVP award at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders before spending a season at Duke, where he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21 minutes per game, garnering a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
He was the third Duke player to be drafted on Wednesday; his former teammate Cooper Flagg went first to the Dallas Mavericks, while Kon Knueppel was selected fourth by the Charlotte Hornets.
While his defensive skills currently overshadow his offensive abilities, Maluach has three years of professional experience in South Sudan under his belt. At Duke, he became known for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess.
“I play with a lot of energy and maintain a positive attitude no matter the circumstances,” Maluach said.
He shed tears of joy upon being drafted.
“This moment surpassed all my expectations,” he shared. “It’s one of the best days of my life. I honestly didn’t think I would cry, but I did. I’m eager to wear a Suns jersey with my name on it and step onto the court.”
Maluach expressed his enthusiasm about bringing positive recognition to his home region.
“I aim to showcase the beauty and culture of my area, and transform the perception of my continent,” Maluach stated.
In other draft news, Noa Essengue, who attended the Basketball Without Borders Global camp during NBA All-Star 2024, was picked 12th by the Chicago Bulls. Essengue, a 6-foot-9 forward, continues the trend with ten consecutive years of French players being drafted.
Yang Hansen was chosen 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies (traded to the Portland Trail Blazers). He becomes the ninth player from China to be drafted into the NBA, the first since 2016.
