“NBA.”
Those were the only words that came out of Khaman Maluach’s mouth when he was asked about what’s next for him after South Sudan’s campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Sixteen-year-old Maluach, expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, recently became the second youngest player, under the age of 17, to score a point in the global hoops showcase, following China’s Guo Ailun in 2010. Coincidentally, this happened during South Sudan’s stunning victory over the Dragons on Monday.
After missing the Bright Stars’ debut loss to Puerto Rico last Saturday, the 7-foot-2 big man finally suited up for South Sudan. He provided quality minutes, helping his country secure its first-ever victory in the World Cup with an 89-69 result over China at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Maluach delivered six rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a point in 16 minutes and 50 seconds of play.
“It means a lot to me, but at the same time, I feel like I deserve to be here. I’m supposed to be here,” said the NBA Academy alum, who just became the third youngest player to participate in the global hoops conclave since 1950.
The 2023 Basketball Without Borders MVP is soaking up every ounce of experience he can get in the World Cup, aiming to become the highest NBA draft pick from South Sudan.
Playing alongside Los Angeles Lakers standout Wenyen Gabriel, as well as learning the ropes from the likes of Luol Deng and Royal Ivey, who have a combined 25 years of experience in the world’s biggest basketball league, is undoubtedly fast-tracking his progress.
“It’s important [being around them] because they are teaching me a lot. They have been in my shoes, and I’m going to use that,” said Maluach, who shared that he often watches games of two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, along with other European bigs.
“It’s really a big deal. I see how NBA players play. I’ve watched so many NBA players, we have some in our team. We have Wenyen [Gabriel], so I’ve seen how they play and how tough they are. I’m going to learn from there,” he added.
However, apart from carrying the hopes of his nation, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a long-standing civil war, Maluach is also bearing the dreams of children from war-torn countries who aspire to become professional basketball players someday.
“This is a message for every kid out there that nothing is impossible, as long as you have hard work and determination,” said Maluach, who grew up in Uganda, a neighboring country of South Sudan.
For now, though, the AS Douanes slotman is laser-focused on building something significant with the Bright Stars on the world stage. He believes that their recent feat against China signaled the beginning of a new era for South Sudanese basketball.
“Yeah, this is the start. This is just the beginning. I feel like we have more that we can do, and we’re going to do more.”
