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After getting a relatively late start to basketball, Khaman Maluach wants to learn as much about the game as he can during his upcoming rookie campaign with the Phoenix Suns.
Maluach, born in South Sudan, began seriously playing basketball in 2019 while living in Uganda. He joined the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal as a high school freshman before committing to Duke, over offers from schools such as Georgetown and UCLA.
The 7-footer suited up with South Sudan in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the third-youngest player to appear in the event (16). He has gained a wealth of knowledge since first picking up a basketball and is eager to improve his understanding of the sport further.
"I started five years ago, but that is not an excuse," Maluach said on Wednesday. "I learn a new thing about basketball every day, and just continuing to do that and learn every day and be able to understand the game of basketball a lot. That will help me in different situations."
Maluach was the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA draft after averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field last season. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, scoring in double figures 17 times.
The 19-year-old made three appearances with the Suns in the NBA Summer League, averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field. He debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards.
Maluach is a part of a crowded frontcourt for the Suns. Though he'll be competing for minutes with the likes of Mark Williams, Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro, Maluach relishes the upcoming battle in training camp and is excited to learn from the trio throughout the season.
"I have a lot of resources because now I'm in the NBA," Maluach said. "(There are) a lot of different players with different experiences, mature guys who have been in the league for eight years, four years and more. It is a lot of learning and a lot of knowledge around me."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Suns' Khaman Maluach wants to expand basketball knowledge as a rookie
Continue reading...
Maluach, born in South Sudan, began seriously playing basketball in 2019 while living in Uganda. He joined the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal as a high school freshman before committing to Duke, over offers from schools such as Georgetown and UCLA.
The 7-footer suited up with South Sudan in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the third-youngest player to appear in the event (16). He has gained a wealth of knowledge since first picking up a basketball and is eager to improve his understanding of the sport further.
"I started five years ago, but that is not an excuse," Maluach said on Wednesday. "I learn a new thing about basketball every day, and just continuing to do that and learn every day and be able to understand the game of basketball a lot. That will help me in different situations."
Maluach was the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA draft after averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field last season. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, scoring in double figures 17 times.
The 19-year-old made three appearances with the Suns in the NBA Summer League, averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field. He debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards.
Maluach is a part of a crowded frontcourt for the Suns. Though he'll be competing for minutes with the likes of Mark Williams, Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro, Maluach relishes the upcoming battle in training camp and is excited to learn from the trio throughout the season.
"I have a lot of resources because now I'm in the NBA," Maluach said. "(There are) a lot of different players with different experiences, mature guys who have been in the league for eight years, four years and more. It is a lot of learning and a lot of knowledge around me."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Suns' Khaman Maluach wants to expand basketball knowledge as a rookie
Continue reading...
