Saturday, August 2, 2025
Home Basketball Little known NBA department helped Khaman Maluach to be draft eligible after...

Little known NBA department helped Khaman Maluach to be draft eligible after USA revoked visas from his nation

The NBA’s overseas program has scouted many players over the years, with Josh Giddey and Benedict Mathurin being some notable names. This year’s NBA draft will see another prospect join the fold, as Khaman Maluach prepares for selection on Wednesday. Although part of the BWB initiative led by NBA Africa, Maluach’s journey stands out from the rest.

Ad

Despite making it to the U.S. to follow his NBA dream, Maluach’s future seemed in jeopardy as the State Department revoked visas from his nation in April. This cast a doubt over his involvement professionally, but the NBA’s international basketball operations have helped the South Sudanese stay eligible for the draft.

The little-known NBA department helped Maluach’s stay in the country by applying for various visas. Entering the country with a three-month F-1 visa (for international student-athletes), the South Sudanese continued to stay in the country legally due to his I-20. After the NCAA season, the department applied for a B-1/B-2 (business-tourist) visa, which allowed him to take part in the NBA combine.

Ad

Should he be drafted, the team will quickly apply for a P-1 visa, which is the standard permit for professional athletes. The head of international basketball operations, Troy Justice, offered his views on the department in an interview with NBC News.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

"People always ask me: ‘What do you do at the NBA? What do international basketball operations do? We make dreams come true," he said.

Ad

Joining the NBA Academy in Africa at 14, Maluach was named the MVP of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders camp in 2023. This earned him a move to Duke for the 2024-25 season, where he impressed by leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

Khaman Maluach opens up on being recruited by Duke and playing alongside a talented team: "Best years in my life."

Duke center Khaman Maluach is one of the best-rated players in his position for the 2025 NBA Draft. The South Sudanese didn't have the easiest of paths, but made the most of his opportunity with the Blue Devils during the season.

Ad

Speaking to the media before the game, he opened up on his recruitment to Duke and playing alongside a talented team, which included Cooper Flagg.

"Duke came to Senegal, I was just shooting free throws, and I saw somebody wearing Duke, and I was like 'wow, I'm getting recruited by Duke,'" he said via Whistle Sports. "We had a very talented freshman squad we all pushed each other to get better... my year at Duke is one of the best years in my life," he continued.

Ad

Maluach is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with many expecting him to go as high as the fourth pick.

NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks set sights on 6-foot-10 European center LeBron James was willing to take pay cut for

Quick Links

Edited by Nadim El Kak
RELATED ARTICLES

James Harden’s girlfriend offers rare glimpse into her bond with NBA star in heartfelt IG post

James Harden's girlfriend Paije Speights shared a rare glimpse into their bond on Saturday. The fashion designer posted a few images on Instagram showcasing their love in a heartfelt post. Ad In the first image, Speights shared a text exchange with Harden, where the Clippers guard sent her a personalized twist on Meek Mill’s song

“My baby is 8”: Carmelo Anthony’s ex Mia Burks shares unseen photos of their daughter to mark her special day

Carmelo Anthony's ex, Mia Burks, shared rare pictures of her daughter Genesis on her Instagram stories. The images were from Genesis' eighth birthday celebrations and featured a collage of snaps. Ad In her first story, Burks shared a collage featuring pictures of Genesis from her childhood to her eighth birthday. Burks penned her thoughts in

Luka Doncic shares first message for Lakers fans after $165M decision in heartfelt post: “This is just the beginning”

Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers wasted no time putting pen to paper on a three-year max extension on Saturday morning. Ad After reaching the Aug. 2 deadline, Doncic agreed to a three-year $165 million deal, cementing his future with the famed franchise. Immediately after, the five-time All-Star took to social media, sharing a message

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

James Harden’s girlfriend offers rare glimpse into her bond with NBA star in heartfelt IG post

James Harden's girlfriend Paije Speights shared a rare glimpse into their bond on Saturday. The fashion designer posted a few images on Instagram showcasing their love in a heartfelt post. Ad In the first image, Speights shared a text exchange with Harden, where the Clippers guard sent her a personalized twist on Meek Mill’s song

Naomi Osaka forced to leave hotel room at midnight for 2nd time at Canadian Open; Elena Rybakina’s team suffers same ordeal

Naomi Osaka once again found herself caught in the loop of false hotel fire alarms, but was joined by Elena Rybakina this time around. This incident frustrated the Japanese player ahead of her Round of 16 match against Anastasija Sevastova at the Canadian Open. Ad Osaka also faced a similar situation a few nights ago

“I am playing terrible” – Alexander Zverev makes brutally honest admission while questioning his decisions ahead of Canadian Open 4R

German star Alexander Zverev has recently shared his thoughts on his season ahead of his fourth-round match at the 2025 Canadian Open, reflecting on his mental and physical struggles. In round three, the World No. 3 defeated Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2 to set up his next match against Francisco Cerundolo. Ad In his

“My baby is 8”: Carmelo Anthony’s ex Mia Burks shares unseen photos of their daughter to mark her special day

Carmelo Anthony's ex, Mia Burks, shared rare pictures of her daughter Genesis on her Instagram stories. The images were from Genesis' eighth birthday celebrations and featured a collage of snaps. Ad In her first story, Burks shared a collage featuring pictures of Genesis from her childhood to her eighth birthday. Burks penned her thoughts in

Recent Comments