Olympic basketball: Meet Khaman Maluach, the 7’2″ teenager set for the NBA

Maluach’s closest public basketball court was a one-hour walk from his home, and it was often packed.

Yet the distance was not the only thing threatening his daily games. Scarcity of basketballs and a lack of shoes was a big concern – with Maluach already a size 14 by the age of 13.

He was forced to play his first game in a pair of Crocs, but made an immediate impression on local coaches Wal Deng and Aketch Garang.

“The first time I saw Khaman, I saw so much potential,” Deng told BBC Sport Africa.

“I knew he was going to develop and become a better player. He learned so quick. I told Aketch that this kid will be the next big thing.”

In 2021, just a year after he started playing basketball, Maluach was invited for a try-out by the NBA Academy Africa.

Maluach had taught himself several moves by watching YouTube videos, learning from two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.

The fact that these two superstars have their roots in Africa inspired the centre to work even harder.

“Me and my brother would do this thing called a ‘night shift’,” Maluach explained.

“When it reaches 12 midnight, they [the telecommunications company], give you a lot of [mobile data] at a cheaper price. The whole time, I would watch those guys.

“I used to see Giannis’ jab step, and then with Joel I learned the shimmy. If they can make it there, I can make it there too.”