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3w ago

Phoenix Suns Select South Sudan’s Khaman Maluach at No. 10 in NBA Draft

His selection highlights the impact of the NBA Academy Africa in nurturing a 7-foot-2 talent for a league shifting back to size with skill.

Maluach dunks against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 15.
Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach raises the trophy and celebrates with teammates after winning the 2025 ACC Conference Championship.
March 23: Duke's Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball during the second half against Baylor at Lenovo Center. Duke won the game, 89-66.

Overview

  • He was taken by Phoenix with the 10th overall pick in a deal that brought Kevin Durant to Houston.
  • Maluach honed his game after fleeing conflict in South Sudan, developing at NBA Academy Africa and excelling in the Basketball Africa League before starring at Duke.
  • He posted 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game as a freshman Blue Devil, shooting 71.2% from the field.
  • As a Phoenix Suns draftee he will qualify for a P1 athlete visa, sidestepping the B1 visa complications he would have faced in Toronto.
  • His combination of 7-foot-2 size, rim protection and professional experience aligns with the NBA’s renewed premium on versatile big men.