Phoenix Suns Honor Khaman Maluach's Sudanese, Ugandan Roots

Rookie center Khaman Maluach's journey from war-torn Africa to the NBA celebrated during Black Excellence Night

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Phoenix Suns honored rookie center Khaman Maluach and his African heritage as part of their Black Excellence Night against the Dallas Mavericks. Maluach, who was born in South Sudan and spent much of his childhood in Uganda, received a custom jersey featuring designs inspired by the flags of his home countries. Though Maluach didn't see playing time in the game, his character and work ethic have made a strong impression on the Suns organization.

Why it matters

Maluach's story highlights the challenges faced by many refugees who flee war-torn nations, as well as the power of sports to provide opportunities for personal growth and achievement. The Suns' celebration of Maluach's heritage also reflects the league's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

The details

The Suns gave away 5,000 custom Maluach jerseys to fans, featuring embroidery and number designs inspired by the flags of South Sudan and Uganda. Maluach, a 19-year-old center, fled South Sudan with his family during the civil war and spent much of his childhood in Uganda before discovering basketball at age 13 through a camp organized by former NBA player Luol Deng, who also hails from South Sudan. Though Maluach didn't see playing time in the close game against the Mavericks, Suns coach Jordan Ott praised the rookie's consistent approach and maturity beyond his years.

  • Maluach fled South Sudan with his family during the civil war that raged from 2013-2018.
  • Maluach attended a basketball camp organized by former NBA player Luol Deng at age 13 in Uganda.
  • The Suns held their 'Black Excellence Night' against the Mavericks on February 11, 2026.

The players

Khaman Maluach

A 19-year-old rookie center for the Phoenix Suns who was born in South Sudan and spent much of his childhood in Uganda before discovering basketball at age 13.

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who praised Maluach's consistent approach and maturity beyond his years.

Luol Deng

A former NBA player who organized the basketball camp in Uganda that Maluach attended at age 13, where he first discovered the sport.

Naji Marshall

A breakout forward for the Dallas Mavericks who scored a game-high 31 points in the loss to the Suns.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie phenom for the Dallas Mavericks who played college basketball with Maluach at Duke last season, where the two formed a strong friendship.

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What they’re saying

“Khaman is one of my brothers. Obviously we had a great, incredible year last year together. We spent a lot of time together away from the court, just getting really close. I have no doubt that he's going to be a great pro for a long time. But he's just one of my brothers and an incredible human being above everything else.”

— Cooper Flagg (azpbs.org)

“(The Suns) shoot the three at a high level, but you can't forget about (Maluach, Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro). They all crash, and we have to be able to box those guys out and keep them off the boards.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach (azpbs.org)

“(Maluach's spirit) hasn't changed, and I think that speaks volumes about who he is. It hasn't changed in a season where he hasn't gotten a lot of (playing time) here with us. But his approach is going to win the day, it wins every day.”

— Jordan Ott, Suns Head Coach (azpbs.org)

What’s next

The Suns will continue to celebrate Maluach's heritage and support his development as a player throughout the season.

The takeaway

Khaman Maluach's journey from war-torn Africa to the NBA exemplifies the power of perseverance and the positive impact that sports can have on the lives of young refugees. The Suns' recognition of his heritage underscores the league's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.