Khaman Maluach Bio
Khaman Madit Maluach (born 14 September 2006) is a South Sudanese professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Standing at 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), he plays the center position. He is also a current member of the South Sudan national team, which he joined at the age of 16.
Early Life and Background
Khaman Maluach was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, and grew up as a refugee in Kawempe, Uganda, alongside his siblings and mother. He attended Bethel Covenant College in Bwebajja, Uganda, where he began his journey in basketball. In 2019, a boda boda motorcyclist encouraged him to pursue the sport after noticing his height. This led him to a local basketball camp organized by Luol Deng, where he began to develop his skills. Maluach later joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, which combines education with basketball training.
Path to Basketball
Khaman Maluach’s basketball career began in earnest when he joined Cobra Sport, a South Sudanese professional team, in 2022. His participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) marked a significant step in his development as a player. In March 2023, he was drafted by AS Douanes, the defending Senegalese champions, where he contributed to the team’s success in the league. His performance at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders camp, where he was named MVP, further solidified his reputation as a rising star in basketball.
Khaman Maluach Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Khaman Maluach made his professional debut with Cobra Sport in the 2022 BAL season. He played a pivotal role in the team’s performance, showcasing his potential as a center. In March 2023, he joined AS Douanes, where he reached the finals of the BAL, further establishing his presence in the league. He later joined the City Oilers for the 2024 BAL season, where he achieved significant personal milestones, including a game with 19 rebounds and 7 blocks, setting a league record.
Breakthrough (2025–Present)
On 25 June 2025, Khaman Maluach was drafted 10th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2025 NBA draft. However, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a larger deal involving Kevin Durant. This trade made him the highest drafted player from the NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League. Maluach’s debut in the NBA is highly anticipated, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the court.
Notable Works and Milestones
Khaman Maluach has been recognized for his achievements, including being the BAL rebounding leader in 2024 and earning the Basketball Without Borders MVP award in 2023. His college career at Duke is also notable, where he averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Khaman Maluach Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Khaman Maluach has received several nominations and accolades, highlighting his rapid rise in the basketball world.
Khaman Maluach Awards Won
Khaman Maluach has achieved notable awards, including the BAL rebounding leader in 2024 and the Basketball Without Borders MVP in 2023.
Khaman Maluach Family
Information regarding Khaman Maluach’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Khaman Maluach’s personal life details are limited, with no confirmed information about relationships or children. He remains focused on his basketball career and development as a player.
