Seven footers usually come with long résumés. AAU dominance. Highlight reels. “Can’t-miss prospect” status since middle school.
Not Khaman Maluach.
At 17 years old, he represented South Sudan in the 2024 Olympics, signed with Duke and was on every NBA scout’s radar as a future lottery pick.
But here’s the twist: he didn’t start playing basketball until he was 14.
Born in war-torn South Sudan and raised amid global instability, Maluach’s story isn’t about the early start. It’s about late discovery, rapid development and what happens when raw potential meets the right support system.
His rise is one of the fastest — and most inspiring — we’ve seen in recent memory. And for parents and coaches who worry about early specialization, his path offers a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t always rushed. Sometimes, it just needs room to grow.
Low Point: No Ball, No Resources, No Plan
For most of his early life, basketball wasn’t even an option for Maluach.
Growing up in South Sudan — one of the world’s most volatile countries — Maluach wasn’t enrolled in elite youth programs. He wasn’t going to camps. He was surviving.
By the time he was 14, he stood out — quite literally. Already near seven feet tall, he was noticed by the NBA Academy Africa, a development program based in Senegal designed to scout and train elite young players from across the continent.
When he arrived, he was raw. Uncoordinated. Late to the game. His touch was undeveloped. His footwork was behind. But the potential was impossible to ignore.
Lesson for Parents & Coaches: It’s never “too late” to start — especially when growth, love for the game, and opportunity meet. Early polish doesn’t always predict long-term success.
Lesson for Young Athletes: Where you start has nothing to do with how far you can go. Stay ready to learn.
Turning Point: Finding Structure at NBA Academy Africa
At the NBA Academy, Maluach wasn’t just given a ball and told to dunk. He was immersed in a system that emphasized fundamentals, education and life skills as much as athleticism.
