The 2025 NBA Draft showcases elite African talent with Khaman Maluach and Clifford Omoruyi emerging as top prospects. Their rise highlights Africa’s growing influence on global basketball, from NBA Academy Africa to top U.S. college programs.
Last Updated on
June 25, 2025
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As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the African basketball pipeline continues to make its mark on the global stage. With a strong history of producing elite-level talent — from Hakeem Olajuwon to Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam — the continent’s influence remains undeniable. The African basketball pipeline continues to fuel the NBA with elite talent, and the 2025 draft class is no exception.
From NBA Academy Africa to Division I programs, African-born players are increasingly making their mark as elite prospects. This year’s draft features three standout names with real potential to hear their names called early: Khaman Maluach and Clifford Omoruyi.
Ranked here by their projected draft position, these prospects not only represent individual promise but also the rising influence of African basketball on the global stage.
The youngest player on many draft boards, Maluach brings rare length, mobility, and rim protection for his age. At just 18, he is already anchoring defenses with elite shot-blocking instincts and a rapidly developing offensive game. Scouts are impressed with his fluidity in transition and soft touch around the rim. His late decision to commit to Duke only raised his profile, where he benefited from elite coaching before stepping into the NBA Draft.
NBA front offices are watching his progression closely. He is widely regarded as the best international center in this class. The 7’2” center boasts elite size, fluid mobility, and a budding offensive game that has scouts projecting massive long-term upside. His rim protection is already NBA-caliber, averaging over three blocks per game in recent FIBA competitions, and his timing as a shot-blocker is exceptional.
"He’s not afraid of contact. Really, he should be in high school still. To play with that level of physicality and readiness is unique, and for Khaman to make that adjustment to college so quickly is incredibly impressive. His best years are by far in front of him." Said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer
Offensively, Maluach shows flashes of range with a soft shooting touch and a developing face-up game. While still raw in certain areas (particularly in decision-making and defensive rotations), his ceiling is sky-high.
Teams Watching: Rebuilding franchises seeking a long-term defensive anchor with two-way potential. Think Detroit, Washington, or Portland.
Upside: Rudy Gobert-like defensive anchor with a higher offensive ceiling.
Omoruyi is one of the most physically imposing bigs in this class, bringing elite rim protection, rebounding, and vertical athleticism. What he lacks in polish offensively, he makes up for in effort and defensive presence. His time at Alabama established him as one of the premier shot blockers in the NCAA. Teams looking for energetic big off the bench with strong intangibles and room for growth will give Omoruyi a close look late in the second round.
Teams value his high motor and leadership, and he’s seen as a plug-and-play big with clear utility in a rotation.
Teams Watching: Playoff-caliber squads looking for a reliable second-unit big such as Miami, Denver, or Milwaukee.
Upside: High-energy backup center with strong defensive instincts and rim-running potential.
As Africa continues to develop into a basketball hotbed, these three prospects represent different pathways to the NBA, ranging from elite academies to college transfers and defensive specialists. The 2025 draft is not only a chance for them to take the next step in their careers but a celebration of African talent on basketball’s biggest stage.
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