South Sudan refugee Makuach Maluach is a step closer to playing in the NBA after securing a scholarship to play college ball in the United States.
Maluach and his family arrived in Armidale in 2009 as refugees from South Sudan.
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The following year, when Maluach was 12, he took up basketball and never looked back.
Since starting the sport, he has played at national and international levels, and been touted as a future Olympian.
He attended Newington College in Sydney for three years and was scouted by several colleges in the United States.
But eventually The University of New Mexico secured his services.
He will play for the university in the National Collegiate Athletic Association first division competition – just one step down from the NBA.
Maluach has worked hard both on and off the court to earn the start overseas.
He is determined to achieve each goal he sets himself.
“I don’t think too far ahead,” he said.
“I know there are little steps to go so I just try to stay in the moment and not too far ahead of myself.
“My long-term goal is playing in the NBA.
“But at the end of the day I have to remember the people I am representing and just play hard.
“I have a lot of pride and a lot of people helped me get to where I am today.
“So I just try to lead by example and try to not let them down.”
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Late last year Maluach, playing for the Blacktown Storm, was selected in the NSW under-20s basketball team for the national championships.
Another Armidale basketballer, Scott McGann, will also be making his way to the United States to play in a division two college team in Illinois.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
