A top-tier shot blocker will join the Blue Devils in Durham for the next campaign.
Even if the Duke basketball team’s defensive potential for the upcoming season is already enormous, there is still a tonne of space for improvement.
The Blue Devils are anticipated to do well on defence in large part due to the signing of National Letter of Intent last week by 5-star centre Khaman Maluach. Currently ranked as a prospect in the NBA Academy Africa, he is expected to be chosen in the top three of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Maluach will finish out another season in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a professional league established by FIBA and the NBA, prior to moving to Durham to start his freshman year. Despite playing in the league, the 7-foot-1 centre is still able to pursue his collegiate eligibility.
Maluach’s season in the BAL this year is very different from his prior two, as he has shattered personal records and broken league records.
He recorded a new career best of 29 points and 11 rebounds on April 20. A few of days later, he recorded 19 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 16 points. The former Blue Devil’s seven blocks set a new league record, and his career-high amount of rebounds.
In six games, he has averaged 18.1 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks.
Before he starts working out for Duke, Khaman Maluach will represent South Sudan in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Maluach, the top-ranked player in the Class of 2024, is expected to start for the Blue Devils this season, forming a strong frontcourt with Cooper Flagg. Duke is the clear favourite to win the National Championship the following season despite the fact that the two will be inexperienced and youthful.
