Just hours after Duke heartbreaking Final Four loss, basketball prodigy Khaman Maluach is facing a completely different kind of battle this time off the court. A sweeping U.S. State Department decision could upend the rising star’s future in college basketball, and possibly derail his NBA dreams.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese passport holders are now at risk of revocation. The sudden policy shift, confirmed by a State Department spokesperson to USA Today, applies to anyone with a South Sudanese passport—whether they currently have a visa or are applying for one.
This controversial move lands right in the lap of 7-foot-2 Maluach, a native of South Sudan and Duke’s breakout freshman center, who just wrapped his first NCAA season in a high-stakes Final Four showdown against Houston. The timing couldn’t be worse.
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Maluach committed to Duke in March 2024, after shining at the NBA Academy Africa and playing a pivotal role in helping South Sudan qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He’s twice been crowned MVP at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa camp and has quickly become a household name in college hoops.
Coach Jon Scheyer praised Maluach’s unique background and athleticism, calling him a player with “incredible perspective and unique talents.” He delivered solid numbers in his freshman campaign—averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and shooting a jaw-dropping 71.2% from the field.
In the high-pressure Final Four clash, Maluach contributed six points, one block, and logged 21 minutes before fouling out. Duke surrendered a multi-score lead in the final moments, ultimately losing to Houston 70-67. Despite the loss, Maluach’s presence in March Madness was strong—averaging 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the previous two tournament games.
Now, just as draft buzz and offseason plans begin to swirl, Maluach’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance. The visa crackdown—tied to South Sudan’s refusal to cooperate on repatriation matters—may directly interfere with his ability to return to Duke or make the jump to the NBA.
The State Department has promised further guidance, but until then, one of college basketball’s brightest new stars is stuck in limbo, waiting for answers.
