Khaman Maluach, a Duke freshman big man, is headed to the NBA.
The program announced Sunday on social media that the 7-foot-2, 250-pound Maluach would retire after helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four. Maluach’s move was initially reported late Saturday by The News & Observer in Raleigh, and underclassmen had until 11:59 p.m. same night to satisfy the NBA’s deadline to declare themselves eligible for the June Draft.
“His best years are by far in front of him,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said in a social media video from the program. “I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do because he’s only scratching the surface.” He has a great foundation for who he is as a player, but his skill set can only expand.”
Notably, Maluach is an outstanding rim-runner who used his length to finish off lobs for easy points or to block shots in the heart of a defense that ranked among the top in KenPom‘s efficiency metrics, including his ability to defend on the perimeter with Duke’s switching system.
Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 71.2% from the field; however, he was also consistent at the line (76.6%) and made four 3-pointers, indicating the potential for increased range. He is still developing his skill set, but his 7-5 wingspan and 9-8 standing reach are appealing figures to potential NBA suitors.
Maluach is from South Sudan and competed for his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021, attended the Nike Hoop Summit in April 2024, and was rated a top-5 national recruit by 247Sports.
Maluach scored six points and had zero rebounds in Duke’s season-ending loss to Houston in the national semifinals on April 5. That same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, raising questions regarding his immigration status, albeit there have been no updates or changes to that pronouncement.
Duke spokesperson Frank Tramble issued a statement that night stating that the school was aware of the revelation and was investigating the incident to determine “any implications for Duke students.”
Maluach is the fourth Duke player to declare early for the NBA draft, following freshman wing Kon Knueppel and junior guard Tyrese Proctor. Last week, freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who was voted The Associated Press national player of the year in early April, joined the list of favorites for the top overall choice.
The Blue Devils will lose all five starters, including graduate transfer Sion James, but Scheyer’s club boasts 247Sports’ No. 3-ranked recruiting class, anchored by twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
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