While Duke stars like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor have already declared for the NBA Draft, one name remains noticeably absent: Khaman Maluach. His decision is delayed—and for good reason.
Unlike his teammates, Maluach faces a unique set of challenges. Although he’s projected as a first-round pick, there’s uncertainty over whether he’ll crack the lottery. That alone could justify hesitation. But more significantly, Maluach’s situation is complicated by his immigration status.
As a South Sudanese player on a student visa, Maluach was affected when the U.S. government revoked visas for South Sudanese nationals during the NCAA Tournament. That creates serious issues: if he leaves the U.S., he might not be allowed back in. And transitioning to the NBA requires a change in visa status, but the specifics are murky—even for insiders.
Then there’s the wildcard scenario: what if he’s drafted by the Toronto Raptors? If he can’t freely enter or leave the U.S., it could be a major problem for a Canadian team—and a risk for any NBA franchise.
Despite those hurdles, Maluach has strong motivations to turn pro. His family fled war in South Sudan, and with NBA money, he could offer real support. Staying at Duke might limit his earning power, especially with uncertain NIL rules for international players—although changes like the House Settlement might eventually help.
In short, Maluach’s decision is far more complicated than most. Visa issues, team logistics, and family needs all weigh heavily. No matter what he chooses, he’s earned a lot of respect at Duke—on and off the court.
