“Ultimately, I have Maluach a bit higher than the player below him because I think he has a clearer path to becoming a difference-maker,” noted Athletic writer Eric Koreen regarding Khaman Maluach. At just 18, he already shows signs of being a game-changer. While Cooper Flagg may be the star, Maluach will step into the spotlight and dominate just like he always does.
Standing at 7’1” and weighing 253 pounds, Maluach is set to become the eighth South Sudanese player in the NBA. However, what sets this Duke graduate apart could be his background as a refugee, navigating challenges to find his place in the world, alongside the visa obstacles he faced.
Khaman Maluach’s Ethnicity and Nationality
Born on September 14, 2006, in Rumbek, South Sudan, Maluach displayed talent from a young age. Yet, ongoing turmoil in Rumbek compelled his family, excluding his father Madit, to flee to Uganda in search of peace and stability.
Madit’s choice to remain in South Sudan reflects the hard decisions faced by many families amid years of civil strife. Khaman’s journey illustrates the resilience required to achieve success. Inspired by a Luol Deng poster on his wall, he honed his skills to reach significant platforms, showcasing the potential of another legendary Blue Devil.
Khaman Maluach’s Visa Challenges
Maluach arrived in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, allowing him to play basketball at Duke legally. Everything seemed in order until April when the U.S. revoked all South Sudanese visas unexpectedly. This left even legal students like Maluach uncertain about travel and status.
To address this, the NBA has secured a B-1/B-2 visa for him and is actively seeking a P-1 athlete visa to facilitate his Summer League participation and rookie season. Assistance is coming not only from the NBA but also from Duke and possibly the NCAA, ensuring his talent isn’t sidelined.
The NBA’s Support for Khaman Maluach
The NBA’s International Basketball Operations team promptly took action, leveraging diplomatic connections and their immigration knowledge. They have been supportive since Maluach was 14, guiding him from the Senegal academy to success in the Basketball Africa League.
Now, as he prepares for his NBA Summer League debut with the Suns, Maluach’s journey from the struggles of refugee life in Rumbek to the prospects of a promising basketball career showcases not only his resilience but also the NBA’s commitment to nurturing his future. With millions of South Sudanese watching, he carries the hopes and dreams of his community as he steps onto the court.
