Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old basketball star from South Sudan, was drafted into the NBA despite a visa issue that made his entry into the U.S. complicated. On June 25, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th pick in the first round.
The Suns made the pick as part of a trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, alongside Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and five future second-round picks.
Maluach’s Skills and Potential
Maluach stands at nearly 7-foot-7-inches with an impressive wingspan, making him a huge asset on defense. He is known for his ability to block shots and his impressive mobility, which allows him to keep up with guards on the court.
His talent has earned him a lot of attention, and he’s seen as a future defensive star in the NBA. However, his path to playing in the U.S. is not without challenges due to visa issues.
The Visa Problem
Maluach was born in South Sudan, a country that has faced significant political unrest. In April, President Donald Trump’s administration announced that it would revoke all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese citizens.
The decision was due to South Sudan’s failure to accept the return of its citizens who had been repatriated. As a result, South Sudanese visa holders, including Maluach, faced uncertainty about their ability to enter the U.S.
This visa issue became more complicated because South Sudan is dealing with ongoing violence and political tensions. The country had a civil war from 2013 to 2018, which caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. Even though a peace deal was signed in 2018, tensions remain high, and the situation is unstable.
Maluach’s Journey to Duke and the NBA
Before attending Duke University, Maluach played at the NBA Africa Academy, which trains some of the top basketball prospects from across the continent.
When he moved to the U.S. to play for Duke, he initially had a standard F1 student visa. However, after the Trump administration’s decision in May to halt student visas for South Sudanese citizens, Maluach faced challenges.
After his NCAA season ended in April, NBA’s Basketball Without Borders helped Maluach get a business-tourist visa so he could participate in the NBA Combine. Now that he’s been drafted, Maluach will need to obtain a P-1 work visa. This visa allows international athletes to temporarily enter the U.S. for games and events.
Every time Maluach plays against teams like the Toronto Raptors, he’ll need a new visa and waiver to re-enter the country.
NBA Support for Maluach
While Maluach’s situation is unique, many international athletes in the NBA use the P-1 work visa during their careers. The NBA is committed to helping talented players like Maluach succeed, regardless of their nationality.
Troy Justice, the NBA’s head of international basketball, shared his support, saying, “We make dreams come true. We give people an opportunity that wouldn’t have it otherwise.”
Maluach’s Impact on the Court
During the 2024-2025 NCAA season, Maluach averaged 8.6 points per game and played a crucial role in helping Duke University reach the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. Although he’s known for his defensive abilities, Maluach has shown significant potential on the offensive side as well. If he can overcome his visa challenges, he could become one of the top rookies in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
Khaman Maluach’s journey to the NBA is a story of perseverance, talent, and overcoming challenges. While the visa issues created obstacles, the NBA and its international basketball operations are committed to making sure that players like Maluach get the opportunity to shine on the world’s biggest stage. With his skill set, Maluach is one to watch in the upcoming NBA season.
