PHOENIX – Between growing up as a refugee who fled a war-torn African nation as a child, and playing in front of 17,000 fans on an NBA court, Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Maluach has had a long, unique road to the professional basketball ranks. 

The team honored Maluach’s heritage Tuesday night when the Suns held a “Black Excellence Night” at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Suns completed the celebration by beating the Dallas Mavericks 120-111.

The first 5,000 fans in attendance received a free Maluach jersey with custom embroidery around the collar and arm holes, as well as numbers that featured designs inspired by the flags of South Sudan and Uganda – the two nations that Maluach called home growing up.

Maluach, who was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, fled the country with his family during a civil war that raged from 2013-2018, eventually moving to Kawempe, Uganda, where he spent much of his childhood.

“I actually don’t know the year I left South Sudan.” said Maluach, a 19-year-old center. “I don’t remember anything (about) moving to Uganda. All I know is that I grew up in Uganda.”

Throughout a significant part of his early life, Maluach never played basketball until, at 13, he attended a basketball camp organized by former NBA player Luol Deng, who also hails from South Sudan. 

Though his African heritage was the focal point of the Suns’ theme night, it is Maluach’s character that has left the largest mark on team personnel.

“(Maluach’s spirit) hasn’t changed, and I think that speaks volumes about who he is,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “It hasn’t changed in a season where he hasn’t gotten a lot of (playing time) here with us. But his approach is going to win the day, it wins every day.”

Maluach, who has spent most of his rookie season alternating between the NBA squad and Phoenix’s G League counterpart, the Valley Suns, didn’t end up seeing action Tuesday due to the close nature of the contest.

In a game that Phoenix led by as many as 31 points in the first half, the Suns struggled to fully put away the Mavericks, who cut the deficit to just six late in the fourth quarter before falling short. Dallas was led primarily by breakout forward Naji Marshall, who netted a game-high 31 points, alongside rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, who had 27 points.

Though the two didn’t end up facing each other on the court, this matchup held extra meaning for Flagg and Maluach, who played college basketball together at Duke last season. There, the duo led the Blue Devils to a top seed and Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Despite only playing one year together, Maluach and Flagg formed a strong friendship that has carried over into the NBA.

“Khaman is one of my brothers,” Flagg said. “Obviously we had a great, incredible year last year together. We spent a lot of time together away from the court, just getting really close.

“I have no doubt that he’s going to be a great pro for a long time. But he’s just one of my brothers and an incredible human being above everything else.”

Respect for Maluach from the opposing team was not limited to Flagg, as Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also gave the rookie praise – though more so for his on-court ability, along with the other Suns centers.

“(The Suns) shoot the three at a high level, but you can’t forget about (Maluach, Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro).” Kidd said. “They all crash, and we have to be able to box those guys out and keep them off the boards.”

Maluach’s high motor reflects his desire to play, regardless of the circumstances. At multiple points this season, Maluach has suited up to play for the Valley Suns and the Phoenix Suns on the same day – something very few players in NBA history have done.

Ott has great respect for this work ethic, viewing the rookie center as much more mature than his young age would suggest.

“He’s just ready for whatever,” Ott said. “If he goes with the Valley Suns, if he plays (with the Phoenix Suns), he’s just ready to play. He’s approached this every single day, but also with a longer lens than I’d say most people at that age. 

“That’s the part we’re benefitting from right now – just the way he approaches (the game) – he just comes in; who he is never changes. We know he wants to play. But when he does play, when his number is called, we know he’s ready. I know he has a long career ahead of him, and his every-day interaction with us is super helpful.”

This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.