\n<\/p>\n
Maluach’s closest public basketball court was a one-hour walk from his home, and it was often packed.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The first time I saw Khaman, I saw so much potential,” Deng told BBC Sport Africa.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
In 2021, just a year after he started playing basketball, Maluach was invited for a try-out by the NBA Academy Africa.<\/p>\n
Maluach had taught himself several moves by watching YouTube videos, learning from two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.<\/a><\/p>\n The fact that these two superstars have their roots in Africa inspired the centre to work even harder.<\/p>\n “Me and my brother would do this thing called a ‘night shift’,” Maluach explained.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n