Global domination for South Sudan's 16-year-old Khaman Maluach starts at FIBA World Cup 2023: "I really have big dreams"
In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, the teenager widely regarded as a 2025 NBA draft prospect shared his remarkable origin story, how Giannis Antetokounmpo inspired him and his aspirations to grow basketball in Africa.
Basketball
There were three words etched on Khaman Maluach's shoes.
'Only the family'.
The 16-year-old sat for an interview with Olympics.com at the NBA Academy Africa ia few months ago, beaming as he explained why he chose to put those words on his sneakers.
"It means only for my family," he said. "It's not like me pushing other people away, but to me, it's like I'm doing this for my family."
Standing at 7-foot-2 (2.18m), you don't need to be a basketball expert to see the raw potential in Maluach.
With his mesmerising range and dogged resilience, the teenager from South Sudan has captured the attention of the globe at FIBA World Cup 2023 where he is competing as the youngest player at the event.
When the Bright Stars scored their first-ever World Cup victory over People's Republic of China, Maluach was straight into the crowd taking selfies soaking up the euphoria with South Sudanese fans.
His charisma was contagious as he celebrated another of the country's historic basketball firsts.
Khaman Maluach: Inspired by Giannis Antetokounmpo
Back in Senegal, that same charm was evident when the young star opened up about his basketball origin story.
"I'm a nice guy," he said. "Actually, I'm nice on the outside but on the court, I'm not that nice. I would say a hard worker and someone looking to change my family's life."
Born in South Sudan, Maluach grew up in neighbouring Uganda as a refugee along with his siblings and mother.
The change he alludes to points to his short but meteoric basketball journey that started in 2019, which all began when he was stopped by a motorcyclist while he was walking down the road.
"He was like, 'Yo, you should start playing basketball. In three to four years, you'll be such a tall person,'" Maluach said remembering his words.
The seed that the man planted took root later in the year when in August, at a basketball camp organised by Luol Deng, Maluach got to see the sport firsthand.
After seeing a guy his height dunk, the young boy was instantly inspired.
He rushed home that night to watch highlights of the NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors. Kevin Durant immediately caught his attention: "KD was so good until he got injured!" Maluach recalled.
Later, he found footage of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2.11m-tall basketball behemoth known fondly as the 'Greek Freak' for his preternatural frame. Seeing someone nearly of the same dimensions as him in action touched something deep in Maluach.
"Giannis is almost my height. Aggressive. Dunking. And when I could see someone my height doing that, I knew I could do it too.
"I was like, 'Wow!' I have to play basketball. Because of Giannis: that's why I play basketball. Mostly because of him.
"He came from nothing to something," Maluach continued. "Such things motivated me a lot."
Khaman Maluach: Finding a home at NBA Academy Africa
After being influenced by the giants of the NBA game Maluach understood how much basketball could transform his life. But with no sporting precedent in his family, he wasn't sure that the path of hoops was one for him.
"Where I come from, no one has ever reached a position where I am in basketball. No one played basketball, and they don't believe in sports," he said.
Maluach even turned to divine inspiration for a sense of certainty.
"Every night, I used to pray and ask God, 'God, if I'm doing the right thing, give me an answer and show me a sign that I'm doing the right thing'."
The South Sudanese's prayers were answered when he received word that he had successfully made it into NBA Academy Africa.
Stationed out of Senegal, the school doubles as an elite basketball training centre with the aim of bringing players across the continent closer to the NBA.
And for Maluach the experience has been transformative.
"When they told me that you are coming to the academy in three days, all those three days I couldn't sleep," he said grinning.
"I still remember the image of when I got off the plane and I stepped into Senegal. The first time I saw this gym, the first time I saw the coach - it was amazing. Sometimes I feel like I want to see it again."
Khaman Maluach: "l'm still growing"
Under the watch of the Academy, Maluach has undergone an evolution.
On the court he works tirelessly on his craft; trying to master every aspect of the game.
"Basketball nowadays you need to be special," Maluach said matter-of-factly.
"You'll find other talents like you but what separates you is what makes you special. So I'm a centre, rebounder, blocking shots. I'm a shooter too."
Off it, his growth has taken form in more obvious ways.
"I've probably added three of four inches since I came to the academy," he boasted with a smile, crediting his genetics and his grandfather who once stood at around seven-foot-six tall.
"I'm still growing because I added half an inch last month."
Locked in and ready to work
From travelling the world to being elected Basketball Without Borders Africa MVP, the opportunities Maluach has enjoyed have already left a deep impression.
"I really have big dreams. I want to be an MVP one day. I want to make it to the [NBA] league," he began, painting a picture of his ambitions for the future.
"But I have dreams outside of that. When I retire, I want to come back home and change everything. I want to build something like the Academy in Africa again. Maybe somewhere else but not Senegal because Senegal already has it. I'm planning to bring the continent up. I'm planning to make the BAL a bigger league.
"I want to make sports a big thing in Africa and I want to showcase Africa. And I want to change my country too. Because my country's the youngest country in the world. I want to bring up other players like me for my country."
Just 16, Maluach's goals that track well past his playing years speak a little to the depth of his determination, something he attributes to his mother.
"I'm locked in. I'm determined to work, and I'm working hard every day," he insisted. "I believe I'll be the first person to make it in sports in my family."
With reports Maluach already has scholarship offers from elite US colleges, including Duke, UCLA and Georgetown, for after he graduates in 2025 his hopes of changing the lives of his family look well within his otherwordly reach.
Some are even calling the South Sudanese the next Victor Wembanyama such is his promise.
For Maluach, while the plaudits are plenty, his focus is firmly fixed on himself and the effort that will be required to realise his dreams.
"My message to 21-year-old me is to keep working hard. Because that is what has taken me to this level: hard work.
"Keep working hard every year, no matter what."