Duke ‘looking into’ how state department ruling on South Sudan passport holders could impact projected NBA lottery pick Khaman Maluach

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 14: Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils plays against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the semifinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Khaman Maluach and the Duke Blue Devils lost to Houston in the Final Four on Saturday. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

(Jacob Kupferman via Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO — A standout Duke basketball player and projected NBA lottery pick could be at risk of deportation as a result of a state department ruling announced hours before the Blue Devils’ Final Four loss to Houston on Saturday night.

Advertisement

The United States is revoking all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, effective immediately, and blocking new arrivals, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement posted to X. Rubio cited the African nation’s refusal to accept the return of its nationals expelled from the U.S. “in a timely manner” as the rationale for his decision.

Duke freshman Khaman Maluach is a native of South Sudan who played for that country’s Olympic team last summer. The 7-foot-2 center spent much of his childhood in Uganda after his family fled war-ravaged South Sudan when he was a boy.

Maluach was not made available to reporters during Duke’s media availability after Saturday night’s game. When asked about Maluach’s immigration status, Duke University spokesman Frank Tramble released a brief statement confirming the school 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,” Tramble added.

Advertisement

When contacted Sunday morning by Yahoo Sports, a state department spokesperson said that Rubio’s decision would “impact all those who have a U.S. visa in a South Sudanese passport and anyone with a South Sudanese passport who is applying for a U.S. visa.”

“We will provide further information and instructions to affected visa holders and applicants as it is available,” the state department spokesperson said.

Maluach is one of three projected lottery picks on a Duke team that won 35 games and was the favorite to win the national championship before Saturday’s upset loss. The Blue Devils led Houston by as many as 14 points with eight minutes in the second half before collapsing down the stretch against the tough, never-say-die Cougars.

It’s unclear whether Maluach knew about the state department announcement before tipoff of Duke’s matchup with Houston. Either way, he had one of his worst games of the season, scoring six points but failing to secure a rebound in 21 minutes.

This news was originally published on this post .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

trending_flat
Zug v sestavě se čtveřicí Čechů postoupil do semifinále Ligy mistrů

Připravujeme podrobnosti…Hokejová Liga mistrů - odvetné zápasy čtvrtfinále:KalPa Kuopio - Brynäs 2:3 (1:0, 0:2, 1:1)Branky: 9. Rissanen, 51. Kapanen - 40. a 56. Norlinder, 36. Larsson. První zápas: 1:5, postoupil Brynäs.Ilves Tampere - Lulea 0:3 (0:0, 0:0, 0:3)Branky: 49. O'Neill, 53. Andreasson, 57. Laaksonen. První zápas: 2:3, postoupila Lulea.Frölunda - Ingolstadt 2:2 (0:0, 1:2, 1:0)Branky: 27. Cederquist, 60. Lindholm - 32. Hüttl, 36. Girduckis. První zápas: 3:1, postoupila Frölunda.Zug - Lukko Rauma 3:0 (0:0, 3:0, 0:0)Branky: 22. a 40. Hofmann, 32. Tatar (KOVÁŘ, KUBALÍK). První zápas: 1:3, postoupil Zug.Semifinálové dvojice: Lulea - Zug, Frölunda - Brynäs.

trending_flat
Coco Gauff reflects on surreal Serena Williams encounter: You could have told me that was Jesus

Coco Gauff has never hidden her admiration for Serena Williams, but the way she describes their first real-life encounter captures just how overwhelming that moment truly was. For a young player still finding her footing on the professional tour, seeing her lifelong idol up close felt almost unreal, an experience that continues to shape how she views greatness, pressure, and her own evolving legacy in tennis.Serena Williams feels unstoppable in a menswear inspired lookRecalling that moment years later, Gauff offered a vivid description that quickly went viral for its honesty and emotion."I just remember her walking by, and it just felt not real. You could have told me that was Jesus," the two-time singles Major champion told Forbes.That sense of disbelief speaks volumes about the towering presence Williams carried within the sport. Long before Gauff became a Grand Slam champion […]

trending_flat
Andy Reid firing theory considered “ridiculous”, but creativity called into question

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs will not partake in this season's NFL playoffs. It's the first time a postseason won't feature the Chiefs since 2014, marking the end of an insane run under head coach Andy Reid. This season, too many things went wrong for the team, capped off with Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL in the game that sunk the Chiefs' season.Mahomes isn't expecting to miss any time next season, but one down season is enough for fans to call this the end of the Chiefs' dynasty. Some saw it coming, pointing out that regression was going to hit hard after Kansas City won so many one-score games in recent years that easily could have swung the other way. It certainly did in 2025. But the manner in which the Chiefs lost has called into question Reid's job […]

trending_flat
Nymburk padl, přesto postoupil do baráže o osmifinálovou fázi Ligy mistrů

Připravujeme podrobnosti…Basketbalová Liga mistrů - 6. kolo:Skupina B:Chalon - ERA Nymburk 97:84 (36:18, 60:34, 78:65)Nejvíce bodů: Hill 20, Cuthbertson 19, Nadolny 13 - Rice 20, Feazell 17, Rylich 14. Fauly: 14:22. Trestné hody: 27/23 - 5/2. Trojky: 10:16. Doskoky: 39:44Alba Berlín - Sabah Baku 106:82 (42:46).1.Alba Berlín651549:483112.Chalon651539:513113.Nymburk615512:54674.Sabah615486:5447

trending_flat
Filipe Luís tem dúvidas para a decisão da Copa Intercontinental contra o PSG

Filipe Luís tem dúvidas em dois setores do time para a final do Intercontinental (Credit: Alamy)O Flamengo tem uma importante missão nesta quarta-feira: enfrentar o Paris Saint-Germain, em Doha, no Catar, em busca do tão sonhado título da Copa Intercontinental. E, para o confronto contra o campeão da Champions League, Filipe Luís tem todo o elenco que levou para o Catar à disposição. No entanto, o treinador ainda tem dúvidas na defesa e no ataque. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENa defesa, dois jogadores lutam por uma vaga: Danilo e Léo Ortiz. O experiente jogador da Seleção Brasileira substituiu Ortiz nas últimas partidas da temporada, inclusive na final da Copa Libertadores da América. Foi dele o gol do tetracampeonato contra o Palmeiras, em Lima. No entanto, Léo Ortiz, recuperado de uma lesão no tornozelo, entrou em campo na estreia do time na Copa Intercontinental, […]

trending_flat
Sean McVay set to balance new fatherhood with Rams playoff push

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay added a new and joyful responsibility this week, welcoming his second son just days after guiding his team to a crucial late-season victory. McVay revealed Tuesday that his wife, Veronika McVay, gave birth to their newborn son, Christian McVay, at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Both mother and child are healthy and doing well, according to the 39-year-old coach.Puka Nacua gets blasted by Los Angeles Rams teammates for a livestreamThe timing of the birth added a dramatic layer to the Rams' Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. As first reported by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, McVay left the stadium shortly after the final whistle to be present for the delivery."Sean McVay, big win against the Lions right here, but how about this?" Glazer reported. "He tells me he's actually […]

Related

trending_flat
Zug v sestavě se čtveřicí Čechů postoupil do semifinále Ligy mistrů

Připravujeme podrobnosti…Hokejová Liga mistrů - odvetné zápasy čtvrtfinále:KalPa Kuopio - Brynäs 2:3 (1:0, 0:2, 1:1)Branky: 9. Rissanen, 51. Kapanen - 40. a 56. Norlinder, 36. Larsson. První zápas: 1:5, postoupil Brynäs.Ilves Tampere - Lulea 0:3 (0:0, 0:0, 0:3)Branky: 49. O'Neill, 53. Andreasson, 57. Laaksonen. První zápas: 2:3, postoupila Lulea.Frölunda - Ingolstadt 2:2 (0:0, 1:2, 1:0)Branky: 27. Cederquist, 60. Lindholm - 32. Hüttl, 36. Girduckis. První zápas: 3:1, postoupila Frölunda.Zug - Lukko Rauma 3:0 (0:0, 3:0, 0:0)Branky: 22. a 40. Hofmann, 32. Tatar (KOVÁŘ, KUBALÍK). První zápas: 1:3, postoupil Zug.Semifinálové dvojice: Lulea - Zug, Frölunda - Brynäs.

trending_flat
Coco Gauff reflects on surreal Serena Williams encounter: You could have told me that was Jesus

Coco Gauff has never hidden her admiration for Serena Williams, but the way she describes their first real-life encounter captures just how overwhelming that moment truly was. For a young player still finding her footing on the professional tour, seeing her lifelong idol up close felt almost unreal, an experience that continues to shape how she views greatness, pressure, and her own evolving legacy in tennis.Serena Williams feels unstoppable in a menswear inspired lookRecalling that moment years later, Gauff offered a vivid description that quickly went viral for its honesty and emotion."I just remember her walking by, and it just felt not real. You could have told me that was Jesus," the two-time singles Major champion told Forbes.That sense of disbelief speaks volumes about the towering presence Williams carried within the sport. Long before Gauff became a Grand Slam champion […]

trending_flat
Andy Reid firing theory considered “ridiculous”, but creativity called into question

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs will not partake in this season's NFL playoffs. It's the first time a postseason won't feature the Chiefs since 2014, marking the end of an insane run under head coach Andy Reid. This season, too many things went wrong for the team, capped off with Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL in the game that sunk the Chiefs' season.Mahomes isn't expecting to miss any time next season, but one down season is enough for fans to call this the end of the Chiefs' dynasty. Some saw it coming, pointing out that regression was going to hit hard after Kansas City won so many one-score games in recent years that easily could have swung the other way. It certainly did in 2025. But the manner in which the Chiefs lost has called into question Reid's job […]

trending_flat
Nymburk padl, přesto postoupil do baráže o osmifinálovou fázi Ligy mistrů

Připravujeme podrobnosti…Basketbalová Liga mistrů - 6. kolo:Skupina B:Chalon - ERA Nymburk 97:84 (36:18, 60:34, 78:65)Nejvíce bodů: Hill 20, Cuthbertson 19, Nadolny 13 - Rice 20, Feazell 17, Rylich 14. Fauly: 14:22. Trestné hody: 27/23 - 5/2. Trojky: 10:16. Doskoky: 39:44Alba Berlín - Sabah Baku 106:82 (42:46).1.Alba Berlín651549:483112.Chalon651539:513113.Nymburk615512:54674.Sabah615486:5447

trending_flat
Filipe Luís tem dúvidas para a decisão da Copa Intercontinental contra o PSG

Filipe Luís tem dúvidas em dois setores do time para a final do Intercontinental (Credit: Alamy)O Flamengo tem uma importante missão nesta quarta-feira: enfrentar o Paris Saint-Germain, em Doha, no Catar, em busca do tão sonhado título da Copa Intercontinental. E, para o confronto contra o campeão da Champions League, Filipe Luís tem todo o elenco que levou para o Catar à disposição. No entanto, o treinador ainda tem dúvidas na defesa e no ataque. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENa defesa, dois jogadores lutam por uma vaga: Danilo e Léo Ortiz. O experiente jogador da Seleção Brasileira substituiu Ortiz nas últimas partidas da temporada, inclusive na final da Copa Libertadores da América. Foi dele o gol do tetracampeonato contra o Palmeiras, em Lima. No entanto, Léo Ortiz, recuperado de uma lesão no tornozelo, entrou em campo na estreia do time na Copa Intercontinental, […]

trending_flat
Sean McVay set to balance new fatherhood with Rams playoff push

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay added a new and joyful responsibility this week, welcoming his second son just days after guiding his team to a crucial late-season victory. McVay revealed Tuesday that his wife, Veronika McVay, gave birth to their newborn son, Christian McVay, at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Both mother and child are healthy and doing well, according to the 39-year-old coach.Puka Nacua gets blasted by Los Angeles Rams teammates for a livestreamThe timing of the birth added a dramatic layer to the Rams' Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. As first reported by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, McVay left the stadium shortly after the final whistle to be present for the delivery."Sean McVay, big win against the Lions right here, but how about this?" Glazer reported. "He tells me he's actually […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

About SPORTIVO

Sportivo Network is a dedicated social platform for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and scouts. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking for opportunities, a coach searching for talent, or simply a sports lover wanting to connect with like-minded people, Sportivo is your go-to network. With features like direct messaging, profile showcasing, and talent scouting, Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. Here, you can share your achievements, interact with professionals, and open doors to the next level in your sports journey. Join Sportivo Network – because every great athlete deserves to be discovered!
Copyright © 2025 SPORTIVO News. and SPORTIVO Network. All rights reserved.

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation