He moved to Australia in his childhood and played for various prep schools in Canada and the United States, before forgoing college basketball.

[2][3] In Matur's early childhood, his uncle, a local administrator, helped the family flee to Uganda amid a civil war in their home country.

[4] They then settled in Perth, Western Australia as refugees when Maker was four years of age but continued making occasional visits to South Sudan.

At age 13, Matur was discovered by basketball scout Edward Smith and began living with him in Sydney, before moving to the United States.

[5][7] After his parents were satisfied by the decision, Matur was allowed to join his brother in high school and Smith eventually became their legal guardian.

[11] He helped Carlisle win a state championship and played with Team Loaded VA of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

[11] In September 2014, Maker and his brother enrolled at Orangeville Prep, where they played under head coach Larry Blunt and with fellow top prospect Jamal Murray.

[14] With the Milwaukee Bucks having selected Thon at the 2016 NBA draft, the transfer allowed Matur to live closer to his brother.

[18] On 5 January 2018, Maker declared intentions to bypass college and enter the 2018 NBA draft, attempting to follow a similar path as his brother in 2016.

[24] Following this, Maker was added to the roster of the Rockets' NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.