KHAMAN Maluach used to dream the impossible as he walked the dusty streets of Kawempe, a disadvantaged suburb on the outskirts of Uganda’s capital Kampala.

On Wednesday evening, that dream became a reality as the 18-year-old’s name echoed through the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, having been announced as the 10th pick at the 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft.

Forced to play his first games wearing Crocs after taking up the sport aged 13, Maluach’s talent has already seen him represent South Sudan at the Fiba World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Even so, the 7ft 1in centre was overcome with emotion – with tears clearly evident alongside his smile – when he posed on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

“I didn’t think I was going to cry,” Maluach said.

“But everything was just going through my head; my whole journey, my people and the continent I represent.

“I believed in myself. I was delusional about my dreams. No matter what the odds are against you, it shows that you can win.”

The teenager had worn a special suit jacket for the occasion, with lining which displayed the South Sudanese and Ugandan flags.

Back home in Entebbe, Uganda, where his family is based, joy had erupted.

His mother, Mary Aweng, elder brother Majok Madit Maluach and other siblings burst into a celebratory dance and said a heartfelt prayer as they heard his name called.

Majok described the moment as “a blessing” for the family and for Africa.

Visa issues

Maluach’s family had planned to be by his side, but their visa applications were denied because of a United States travel ban affecting South Sudanese citizens.

Only his sister Agum Madit, who is based in Australia, was able to attend the event in New York.

Maluach’s coach from the Solid Skills Academy in Kampala, the programme that first scouted him, was also meant to be there.

“That was really unfortunate. It has taken part of our joy,” coach Wal Deng told BBC Sport Africa.

“But nevertheless, we’re so, so proud of him.

“It’s like a dream that’s actually reality. Seeing how far he’s come, from learning the basics of basketball to now joining the NBA, this is a moment of immense joy.”

Maluach’s status in the USA now looks secure.

After signing with Duke University he had obtained an F1 visa, the standard US student visa, which was subsequently paused for South Sudanese nationals in April.

That F1 status had already shifted back to a tourist visa while Maluach awaited the NBA Draft.

Now officially drafted, he will transition to a P1 visa, typically granted to professional athletes competing in major US leagues.

Many of the NBA’s international players remain on P1 visas for the duration of their careers