Picture this: a 7-foot-2 kid takes 10 steps just to attempt a layup. That’s how Khaman Maluach’s basketball story began, and somehow, that awkward first moment launched a journey that would take him from war-torn South Sudan to the Phoenix Suns roster.
The rookie’s path wasn’t just about growing into his frame or mastering the fundamentals. It became something much bigger: a mission to change how the world sees an entire continent.
How Did Khaman Maluach’s Childhood Shape His Basketball Dreams?
During an interview shared by the Suns’ official X account, Maluach was asked to recall his favorite basketball memory from childhood. His answer revealed the pure joy that first drew him to the game long before anyone could have predicted his NBA future.
“The first time I picked up a basketball and I took like 10 steps to layup the ball,” he said, smiling. That small, endearing moment was worlds away from the precision of professional basketball, but it marked the beginning of a life-changing path.
Mini mic with the 10th overall pick 🎤 pic.twitter.com/KxyaxWCaB2
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 8, 2025
However, Maluach’s early years were defined by far more than basketball experimentation. Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, a city that suffered greatly during the country’s civil war, his early life was shaped by adversity that most young athletes never face. His family fled to a suburb of Kampala, Uganda, seeking safety during a national crisis that forced millions from their homes.
Yet even amid such instability, he found purpose through basketball. The reality of his situation meant the closest court was nearly an hour away and often crowded with other players. He played his first organized game wearing Crocs instead of proper basketball shoes. Still, those early experiences weren’t obstacles in his mind. They became proof of his determination to pursue something greater.
What Role Did Mentorship Play in Maluach’s Rise to the NBA?
Eventually, Maluach’s persistence caught the attention of local coaches Wal Deng and Aketch Garang, who recognized his potential and helped guide him toward bigger opportunities. This mentorship proved crucial, as they connected him to the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal.
That opportunity opened doors that seemed impossible from his early days in Uganda. The Academy experience led to a stint with Duke University, where he could develop his skills against elite competition. From there, the path led directly to being drafted by the Rockets as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and finally landing on the Suns squad after a trade.
But for Maluach, this journey represents something far more significant than personal success. The weight of representation has been with him throughout his rise, and he’s embraced that responsibility completely. “Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back. Giving hope to young kids,” he said after being selected No. 10 overall.
How Does Maluach Plan to Change Perceptions of Africa?
At his post-draft press conference, Maluach addressed this mission directly, speaking with the passion of someone who understands the power of his platform.
“I’m thinking about showing them the great places in Africa, like Kigali, whether it’s Senegal, whether it’s the safaris in Africa, and showing them the cultures we have and the people we have, which is different from the stuff they see on TV,” he explained. “I just want to change the narrative, the narrative of our people and how they see my continent.”
“Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back. Giving hope to young kids.”
South Sudan native Khaman Maluach was in tears as he was drafted 10th overall 🥺 pic.twitter.com/osskwuHYHf
— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2025
To Maluach, basketball serves as more than just a sport or career path. It’s become a divine tool for creating a meaningful impact. As he told the BBC in 2024, “I believe it’s a gift God gave me to impact other people’s lives and to change my family’s life.”
What started with a 10-step layup has evolved into a full-court vision to inspire an entire continent. That awkward first attempt with a basketball wasn’t just the beginning of his athletic journey. It was the first step toward becoming a voice for millions of young people who see themselves in his story and dare to dream bigger than their circumstances might suggest.
