In the heart of Cairo, Khaman Maluach, a Duke Blue Devils commit, shines on the Basketball Africa League stage, amazing audiences with his meteoric rise from a budding talent to a bona fide star.
Born in South Sudan, Maluach’s basketball odyssey began at the tender age of 15 when he made his BAL debut with Cobra Sport. Fast forward to the present, and Maluach finds himself representing City Oilers in Egypt, where his professional journey commenced two years prior.
Under the guidance of assistant technical director Joe Touomou at the NBA Academy Africa, Maluach’s potential blossomed, drawing comparisons to basketball luminaries like Joel Embiid. Unlike his predecessors, Maluach boasts not only talent but an unwavering confidence, a trait that sets him apart on and off the court.
Despite facing setbacks, such as limited game time during his initial BAL outings, Maluach’s self-assurance propelled him to demand more responsibility, earning him a pivotal role in AS Douanes’ journey to the final. Now, with City Oilers, Maluach embraces leadership at just 17 years old, poised to leave an indelible mark on the league.
Beyond the hardwood, Maluach’s journey symbolizes hope for South Sudan, a nation marred by conflict yet united by basketball. Representing the Bright Stars on the international stage, Maluach’s performances at the FIBA World Cup showcased his burgeoning talent and unwavering determination.
As Maluach prepares for his collegiate career at Duke University, alongside projected top pick Cooper Flagg, his journey exemplifies the resilience, determination, and audacity required to ascend to basketball stardom. With eyes on the 2025 NBA Draft, Maluach stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Africa and beyond.
