The Duke basketball team of the previous season lacked rim-protecting players. Enter Khaman Maluach, a native of South Sudan and a five-star center out of NBA Academy Africa. After returning from the Olympics this summer, Maluach measured seven feet two inches and 250 pounds.
Not only does the 18-year-old rookie stand out for his height and weight when he prowls on defense, as the Blue Devils’ social media staff highlighted this week with the intimidating photo from the program’s Coach K Center practice facility:
Maluach, pictured above showing off his length while defending Duke basketball rookie player Cooper Flagg, has a wingspan of seven feet and a standing reach of eight feet, based on measurements taken back in February at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders combine in Indianapolis.
From tip of thumb to tip of pinky, his hands measure 9.5 inches in length and 10.25 inches in width.
In April, Maluach signed a national letter of intent with the Blue Devils during the late signing period. “Khaman can score inside and out, handle the ball, and protect the rim at a high level,” stated Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke basketball in his third season. “His vocal leadership, the energy and enthusiasm that he plays with, and his commitment to winning above individual statistics stood out to me when watching him throughout the recruiting process.”
The Blue Devils led by Jon Scheyer, Cooper Flagg, and Khaman Maluach will host Maine at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 4 to kick off the regular season.