From Refugee to NBA Star: 7’2″ Khaman Maluach Drafted Top 10 After Life-Changing Moment on a Ugandan Street
In an extraordinary journey that reads more like a Hollywood script than real life, 18-year-old Khaman Maluach has gone from a refugee camp in Africa to one of the top 10 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 7-foot-2 South Sudanese center was selected with the No. 7 overall pick, fulfilling a dream born from adversity, perseverance, and a chance encounter on the streets of Kampala, Uganda.
Maluach’s story begins in the war-torn region of South Sudan, where civil conflict and violence forced his family to flee their home when he was just a child. Like thousands of others, they found refuge in neighboring Uganda. Life in the refugee camp was anything but easy—limited food, no stable education, and the constant weight of uncertainty hung over their every day. But even then, Khaman stood out—not just for his height, but for the quiet strength in his demeanor.
It was on a random afternoon in Kampala when fate intervened. While walking through the city streets, the towering teenager caught the attention of a local basketball coach affiliated with the Giants of Africa program, a youth development initiative founded by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri. The coach was stunned—not just by Khaman’s height, but by the potential he saw in his frame, his energy, and his natural movements.
That chance encounter changed everything.
Maluach was soon invited to a training camp. Though he had never seriously played basketball before, his raw talent, eagerness to learn, and quick development stunned the coaches. Within months, he was sent to Senegal to join the NBA Academy Africa—a program designed to foster elite basketball talent across the continent. There, under the watchful eyes of former pro players and international trainers, Maluach blossomed.
By age 16, he was already competing against high-level talent across Europe and the U.S. He quickly developed a versatile game—shot-blocking instincts, soft hands around the rim, a reliable mid-range jumper, and a growing confidence from beyond the arc. But what set him apart was his maturity. Coaches raved not just about his skill set, but his leadership, humility, and relentless work ethic.
Maluach also proudly represented South Sudan on the international stage. He became one of the youngest players ever to compete in the FIBA World Cup in 2023, holding his own against NBA veterans and showcasing his readiness for the big stage. That performance elevated his profile globally, catching the attention of scouts and GMs across the NBA.
Leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, whispers turned into roars. Maluach had the size, the skill, and the story. He was a lock for the lottery. When his name was called as the 7th overall pick—donning a custom suit lined with images of his homeland and family—he broke down in tears. It was a full-circle moment.
“From a refugee camp to the NBA, this is bigger than me,” Maluach said in his post-draft interview. “It’s for every kid in South Sudan, every refugee who dreams big. Basketball saved my life. I just want to keep inspiring.”
Now stepping onto the world’s biggest basketball stage, Maluach isn’t just a symbol of athletic promise—he’s a beacon of hope. His journey reminds us that greatness can come from anywhere, and that sometimes, all it takes is one life-changing moment on a street to unlock a destiny no one could have imagined.
Watch out, NBA—this is just the beginning.