The latest recruit for the Blue Devils is already impressive based on his physical attributes.
Duke basketball enthusiasts may be unfamiliar with 7-foot center Khaman Maluach, but they’re bound to quickly develop a fondness for this international prospect. Many will have their initial opportunity to see Maluach in action firsthand this weekend at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, where he’ll be facing off against Team USA, featuring standout player Cooper Flagg.
The standout from the NBA Academy Africa has already faced off against top-tier basketball talent internationally with South Sudan, and now he’s gearing up for the challenge of college basketball in the United States.
Cameron Indoor Stadium has witnessed its fair share of rim-rocking performances in recent years, courtesy of players like Zion Williamson, Cassius Stanley, and Paolo Banchero who’ve graced the Duke basketball program. However, it’s been a while since the Blue Devils have seen a player quite like Maluach.
5-star Duke commit Khaman Maluach has been showing out in front of NBA scouts this week 👀 @khaman_maluach pic.twitter.com/P09VhtjvFf
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) April 11, 2024
Unlike other elite athletes at Duke who rely on their vertical leap to electrify the rim, Maluach possesses a unique ability to make an impact with minimal jumping.
In the recent measurements at the Nike Hoop Summit, the latest Duke recruit stood tall at 7 feet 1 inch, boasting an impressive standing reach of 9 feet 6 inches, the most extensive among the team members. Additionally, he flaunted a wingspan measuring 7 feet 6 inches.
These remarkable measurements are especially striking considering that he’s essentially at the high school senior level.