Duke’s March Madness sensation and NBA prospect, Khaman Maluach, may be able to obtain special documentation to continue competing in the US as an athlete, despite the Trump administration’s decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals.
The 7ft2in 18 year old teamed with Player of the Year Cooper Flagg to spearhead the Blue Devils’ run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Duke came agonizingly close to securing a spot in the national championship game against Florida, only to suffer a stunning collapse that allowed eventual-champion Houston to capitalize.
Maluach’s standout performances in the Blue Devils’ 24/25 season have propelled his NBA Draft stock, making him a potential top-ten pick. However, South Sudanese nationals are facing uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s decision to revoke visas, citing the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner.
According to The Athletic, Maluach’s current student status will remain unchanged unless the Trump administration issues a deportation order. “If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” explained Travis Murphy, a former US diplomat and NBA advisor on international governmental affairs.
“They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”, reports the Mirror US.
Should Maluach choose to leave Duke for the NBA, the young athlete might pursue new documentation enabling him to play in the U.S. However, he wouldn’t have the liberty to exit and re-enter America until a special exemption is granted by the Trump administration.
“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” suggested Murphy. Notably, Maluach hasn’t been home to South Sudan in years and has missed the chance to celebrate his success with his parents, who have not witnessed his ascent with the Blue Devils during March Madness.
(Image: Getty)
Duke’s basketball program acknowledges being in the loop regarding the State Department’s fresh announcement. “Duke University is aware of the announcement from the Department of State regarding visa holders from South Sudan,” confirmed the Blue Devils.
“We are looking into the situation and working expeditiously to understand the implications for Duke students.”
Regarding his potential professional prospects, various acclaimed sources offering NBA Mock Drafts theorize the Blue Devils sensation could bag a spot in the top ten picks. Throughout the last season, the center has posted impressive averages: 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.
With significant playtime against some of the NBA’s elite already under his belt, Maluach’s stock is further bolstered. He featured in South Sudan’s lineup for the 2024 Paris Olympics and encountered Team USA’s star-studded ensemble twice last summer, partaking in a close-knit exhibition match in London as well as enduring a 103-86 beating during the Games.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
