Khaman Maluach, the talented Duke basketball star, has been selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the South Sudanese athlete's selection comes with a caveat - his visa was revoked by the Trump Administration in April.

In April, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. visa holders from South Sudan would have their documents revoked "effective immediately" due to the failure of South Sudan's transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner. This move has put Maluach's NBA dreams in jeopardy, as he may not be eligible to play in the U.S. without navigating the complex legal process.

Maluach, 18, has an impressive 7-foot-7-inch wingspan and exceptional mobility, making him an elite defensive player at the professional level. Despite his unique situation, most international athletes in the NBA maintain a P-1 work visa during their career. The NBA's head of international basketball, Troy Justice, is determined to see Maluach suit up, stating, "We make dreams come true. We give people an opportunity that wouldn't have it otherwise."

Maluach's journey to the NBA has been marked by challenges. Before enrolling at Duke, he played for the NBA Africa Academy, an elite training center featuring the best male and female basketball prospects in the continent. After his NCAA season ended in April, the NBA's Basketball Without Borders initiative assisted Maluach in getting a business-tourist visa to participate in the NBA combine.

Now, as a member of the NBA, Maluach will need to obtain a P-1 work visa, which allows international athletes to temporarily enter the U.S. to participate in games. However, this process may be complicated by the Trump Administration's visa revocation. Despite the challenges, Maluach's determination and talent have earned him a spot among the top rookies in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

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