Freshman Lookout: Khaman Maluach
Updated: Jul 26
Khaman Maluach, the 5 star center out of South Sudan is set for at least one season at Duke, and he is supposed to be incredible. Ranked #4 in his class, Maluach is ready for a fall at Duke.
How is Maluach so remarkable?
Height is a big part of Maluach’s high school success. At 7 foot 2, 250 lbs, Maluach averaged 17.5 PPG in his professional league in South Sudan, and a league-leading 13.5 RPG. During the South Sudan game before the Olympics against Team USA, Maluach played 12 minutes, scored 7 points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked a shot, while going 3-6 from the floor. During this game, he had a nice step back over current 76er star, Joel Embiid, and a block against current LA Laker, Anthony Davis. His main feature is his size, at 7 foot 2, and is described as “massive” by analysts.
Is Maluach the tallest on this year’s squad?
Yes, in fact, there is only one other player that is 7 foot or above, which is Stanley Borden, at 7 foot 0.
Why did Maluach choose Duke?
Although Maluach had offers from other top programs, such as Kansas, UCLA, and Kentucky, he said this when asked about why he chose Duke:
"I feel like I would have succeeded anywhere I would have gone to; I feel like I would have played wherever I would have gone to, but I was comfortable going to Duke, talking to the coach, getting to know the coaching staff and players.”
How did he get his basketball knowledge?
Maluach is mentored by Luol Deng, a former Blue Devil and NBA All-Star. Deng wore #9 his whole career, explaining why Maluach chose #9 as well.