Duke center Khaman Maluach has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, adding another layer of intrigue to an already loaded class. The 7-foot-2 freshman announced his decision late on April 26, meeting the early entrant deadline just in time. Maluach, who averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds during his lone season with the Blue Devils, made his presence felt around the rim and emerged as a crucial piece of Duke’s ACC Tournament title run. His standout performances, including 35 points, 28 rebounds, and eight blocks across the tournament, earned him a place on the ACC All-Tournament First Team. He is widely projected as a lottery pick.
NBA next. Duke forever.
Thank you @khaman_maluach!! 💙💙👿 pic.twitter.com/pFq01qKla4
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 27, 2025
A Global Journey to the NBA
Maluach’s rise to prominence is not typical of most college stars. Hailing from South Sudan, he developed his skills through the NBA Academy program, a global initiative to cultivate elite international talent. Despite being relatively new to the game compared to many of his peers, Maluach’s combination of size, athleticism, and rapidly developing skill set quickly set him apart. According to his agent, Josh Hairston of KLUTCH Sports, Maluach finalized his decision at the last moment, reflecting the complex factors behind his choice to become professional.
BREAKING: Khaman Maluach has declared for the NBA Draft!
One of my favorite one and dones ever pic.twitter.com/Parf6Bizpg
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) April 27, 2025
Navigating Immigration Challenges
One of the less-discussed but critical aspects of Maluach’s draft candidacy involves his immigration status. Presumably in the United States on a student visa, Maluach would need to transition to a different visa type or possibly pursue a green card once he signs with an NBA team. This situation presents unique challenges, particularly if he is drafted by a Canadian team such as the Toronto Raptors, where cross-border travel and residency requirements could complicate matters. While NBA teams are accustomed to managing international paperwork, the timing and logistics could factor into front-office evaluations.
Best of luck to Khaman Maluach as he heads to the NBA Draft and fulfills a dream. He’s a hard-working, highly skilled, willing to learn big man who was a popular player on the team and in the locker room. pic.twitter.com/ytWNGTx5Av
— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) April 27, 2025
Balancing Basketball and Broader Responsibilities
Beyond his professional aspirations, Maluach’s decision carries deep personal significance. With family members displaced by the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, entering the NBA offers an immediate opportunity to provide financial support on a scale that would not be possible under NCAA restrictions, especially given the limited NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) options available to international students. While the recent House v. NCAA settlement may change the financial landscape for athletes, the urgency of his family’s situation likely played a role in his decision to declare now.
As Maluach steps onto the draft stage, he represents more than a towering basketball prospect. His journey underscores the expanding global reach of the sport and the complex realities that come with chasing professional dreams across international borders.
Duke center Khaman Maluach has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, adding another layer of intrigue to an already loaded class. The 7-foot-2 freshman announced his decision late on April 26, meeting the early entrant deadline just in time. Maluach, who averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds during his lone season with the Blue Devils, made his presence felt around the rim and emerged as a crucial piece of Duke’s ACC Tournament title run. His standout performances, including 35 points, 28 rebounds, and eight blocks across the tournament, earned him a place on the ACC All-Tournament First Team. He is widely projected as a lottery pick.
NBA next. Duke forever.
Thank you @khaman_maluach!! 💙💙👿 pic.twitter.com/pFq01qKla4
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 27, 2025
A Global Journey to the NBA
Maluach’s rise to prominence is not typical of most college stars. Hailing from South Sudan, he developed his skills through the NBA Academy program, a global initiative to cultivate elite international talent. Despite being relatively new to the game compared to many of his peers, Maluach’s combination of size, athleticism, and rapidly developing skill set quickly set him apart. According to his agent, Josh Hairston of KLUTCH Sports, Maluach finalized his decision at the last moment, reflecting the complex factors behind his choice to become professional.
BREAKING: Khaman Maluach has declared for the NBA Draft!
One of my favorite one and dones ever pic.twitter.com/Parf6Bizpg
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) April 27, 2025
Navigating Immigration Challenges
One of the less-discussed but critical aspects of Maluach’s draft candidacy involves his immigration status. Presumably in the United States on a student visa, Maluach would need to transition to a different visa type or possibly pursue a green card once he signs with an NBA team. This situation presents unique challenges, particularly if he is drafted by a Canadian team such as the Toronto Raptors, where cross-border travel and residency requirements could complicate matters. While NBA teams are accustomed to managing international paperwork, the timing and logistics could factor into front-office evaluations.
Best of luck to Khaman Maluach as he heads to the NBA Draft and fulfills a dream. He’s a hard-working, highly skilled, willing to learn big man who was a popular player on the team and in the locker room. pic.twitter.com/ytWNGTx5Av
— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) April 27, 2025
Balancing Basketball and Broader Responsibilities
Beyond his professional aspirations, Maluach’s decision carries deep personal significance. With family members displaced by the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, entering the NBA offers an immediate opportunity to provide financial support on a scale that would not be possible under NCAA restrictions, especially given the limited NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) options available to international students. While the recent House v. NCAA settlement may change the financial landscape for athletes, the urgency of his family’s situation likely played a role in his decision to declare now.
As Maluach steps onto the draft stage, he represents more than a towering basketball prospect. His journey underscores the expanding global reach of the sport and the complex realities that come with chasing professional dreams across international borders.
