Khaman Maluach's Remarkable Journey from Ugandan Refugee to NBA Standout

The Phoenix Suns rookie sets a career-high scoring mark after picking up basketball for the first time just 7 years ago.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:04pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the powerful movements and athleticism of a basketball player, with their face and jersey blurred into the vibrant brushstrokes.The dynamic energy and raw talent of Khaman Maluach, a rising star in the NBA, are captured in this vibrant expressionist painting.New Orleans Today

Khaman Maluach, the Phoenix Suns' 2025 10th overall draft pick, has had an incredible journey to the NBA. Just 7 years ago, the 7-foot-1 player picked up a basketball for the first time while living as a refugee in Uganda. Now, the 19-year-old has set a career-high scoring mark of 12 points for the Suns and nearly recorded his first NBA double-double.

Why it matters

Maluach's rapid rise from a complete basketball novice to an NBA rookie showcases the transformative power of the sport and the resilience of young athletes. His story inspires hope and demonstrates that with dedication and opportunity, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.

The details

Maluach, who is of South Sudanese descent, was recruited by Duke University and helped the Blue Devils reach the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four. He was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team and set the second-most dunks by a freshman in Duke history with 77. Now in the NBA, Maluach has seen his minutes increase due to an injury to Suns starting center Mark Williams, and he has responded by cutting down on turnovers and providing valuable defense and rebounding.

  • In 2019, Maluach picked up a basketball for the first time while living as a refugee in Uganda.
  • Maluach was the Phoenix Suns' 10th overall draft pick in 2025.
  • On March 25, 2026, Maluach set a career-high 12 points in a Suns win over the Utah Jazz.
  • Maluach's minutes have nearly doubled from February (9 minutes per game) to March (14.4 minutes per game) due to an injury to Suns starting center Mark Williams.

The players

Khaman Maluach

A 7-foot-1 rookie forward for the Phoenix Suns who was the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Maluach picked up basketball for the first time as a refugee in Uganda in 2019 and has since developed into an NBA player.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke University men's basketball team, who recruited Maluach to play for the Blue Devils.

Cooper Flagg

The 2025 No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, who was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team alongside Maluach.

Mark Williams

The Phoenix Suns' starting center, who is currently out with a left foot third metatarsal stress fracture, allowing Maluach to see increased playing time.

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What they’re saying

“It's just like a couple of days later, I got invited to a basketball camp and … I saw a lot of tall kids. You don't really see a lot of tall people in Uganda. I'm like, 'Wow, this is really the sport for me. I felt comfortable, I felt home and I just came back in the next day and picked up a basketball (after watching some of the camp).'”

— Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns Rookie

“I'm confident because I know how much work I put in. I know how many hours I be at. So, I'm always confident when I step on the floor and it's just a matter of learning and not doing the same mistake twice.”

— Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns Rookie

What’s next

Maluach will look to continue his strong play as the Suns push for a playoff spot. With starting center Mark Williams out, Maluach will have an opportunity to earn more minutes and solidify his role in the team's rotation.

The takeaway

Khaman Maluach's remarkable journey from a refugee in Uganda to an NBA rookie showcases the transformative power of basketball and the resilience of young athletes. His story inspires hope and demonstrates that with dedication and opportunity, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.