Duke men’s basketball player Khaman Maluach could be impacted by State Department ruling on South Sudan passport holders

Duke Star Khaman Maluach Caught in U.S. Visa Ban on South Sudanese Nationals 🏀🌍

Khaman Maluach, a rising star in Duke men’s basketball, now finds his future in the United States uncertain after a sweeping visa restriction targeting South Sudanese passport holders.

On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all visas held by South Sudanese nationals would be revoked and further visa issuances suspended, effective immediately. He cited the South Sudanese transitional government’s failure to accept repatriated citizens in a timely manner.

This decision could directly affect Maluach, who recently completed a standout freshman season at Duke. The 7-foot-2 center was a key figure in the Blue Devils’ NCAA tournament run, playing over 800 minutes this season and averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Duke’s journey ended with a dramatic Final Four loss to the Houston Cougars.

In response to the visa ban, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told CNN, “We will provide further information and instructions to affected visa holders and applicants as it is available.”

Duke University is currently assessing the situation. Frank Tramble, Vice President of Communications at Duke, said in a statement, “Duke University is aware of the announcement from the Department of State regarding visa holders from South Sudan. We are looking into the situation and working expeditiously to understand any implications for Duke students.”

Maluach was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, but fled to Uganda with his family during childhood due to civil unrest. His basketball journey began in refugee conditions, yet his talent eventually brought him to the NBA Academy Africa — a turning point that led to his commitment to Duke in March 2023.

Last year, he made history by representing South Sudan at the Paris Olympics — the country’s first-ever basketball appearance at the Games. Now, he’s widely projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

“Basketball means a big thing to me. I believe it’s a gift God gave me to impact other people’s lives and to change my family’s life,” Maluach told BBC Sport Africa. “The orange ball has taken me so far.”

As political decisions ripple through the sports world, Maluach’s story highlights the power of talent, resilience, and the complicated intersection between global politics and personal dreams.