Khaman Maluach’s Leap: Duke Freshman Declares for the NBA Draft
When Khaman Maluach first stepped onto Duke’s campus in Durham, North Carolina, few could have fully grasped the magnitude of the journey that had brought him there — and even fewer could have anticipated how quickly he would outgrow the college stage. Now, after a standout freshman campaign, the 7-foot-2 South Sudanese phenom has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, solidifying his rapid rise from refugee to first-round prospect.
For Maluach, the decision marks more than just the next step in his basketball career. It is the culmination of years of resilience, adaptation, and relentless development — a remarkable leap for a young man who only began playing organized basketball five years ago.
A Humble Beginning
Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, Khaman Maluach’s earliest memories were not of basketball courts or highlight reels, but of a childhood shaped by displacement and survival. At a young age, his family fled the conflict-ridden region, eventually finding refuge in Uganda. Life in refugee camps was far removed from the world of professional sports, but destiny had other plans.
Maluach’s extraordinary height caught the attention of a local motorbike taxi driver, who suggested he attend a basketball camp organized by Luol Deng — the former NBA All-Star and a national hero in South Sudan. That pivotal moment introduced Maluach to a sport that would soon alter the trajectory of his life forever.
Recognized for his raw potential, he was offered a spot at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, an elite training center designed to nurture the continent’s top basketball prospects. There, Maluach’s growth accelerated, both literally and figuratively.
A Star is Born at Duke
By the time he committed to Duke in early 2024, Khaman Maluach was already considered one of the most intriguing young prospects on the planet. Ranked among the top recruits alongside names like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, Maluach brought something unique to the Blue Devils: a 7-foot-2 frame, a 7-foot-6 wingspan, impressive mobility, and a relentless defensive motor.
Under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, Maluach quickly found his footing in college basketball, an environment that often challenges even the most decorated recruits. In 31 games, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting nearly 80% from the field — a figure that ranked among the highest nationally.
Though his offensive game remained somewhat raw, Maluach’s impact was undeniable. He anchored Duke’s defense, altered shots at the rim, and flashed surprising agility on the perimeter. His presence helped lead Duke to a stellar 35-4 season, capped by a trip to the Final Four, where the Blue Devils narrowly missed out on a championship appearance.
More impressively, Maluach accomplished all of this while adjusting to the highest levels of competition and refining skills that most elite big men spend years mastering.
International Experience: A Global Foundation
Even before suiting up for Duke, Maluach had already tasted the highest levels of international competition. At just 16 years old, he played for the South Sudan national team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, making him one of the youngest players ever to appear at the tournament.
Maluach’s performance helped South Sudan qualify for their first-ever Olympic Games, earning a historic berth in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Though he played limited minutes due to his age, scouts quickly noticed his timing, his defensive instincts, and his unteachable combination of size and fluidity.
Later, he suited up for the City Oilers in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), where he dominated older, more experienced competition. In the 2024 season, he averaged 17.8 points, a league-leading 13.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. In one memorable performance, he recorded a record-setting seven blocks in a single contest.
These experiences set Maluach apart from his peers. Few freshmen entered college with such a diverse resume — and fewer still with such a proven track record against grown men in international settings.
The NBA Awaits
As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, Maluach projects as a likely lottery pick, with some mock drafts placing him firmly within the top 10 selections.
NBA teams are salivating over his defensive potential. In an era where rim protection, switchability, and versatility are prized, Maluach checks every box. His standing reach of nearly 10 feet allows him to contest shots without leaving his feet, while his lateral movement enables him to survive against quicker guards on switches — a rare skill for someone his size.
Offensively, he remains a work in progress, but his efficiency around the rim is already elite. Under the guidance of shooting coach Kyle Korver — a former NBA All-Star now working with prospects — Maluach has begun to expand his shooting range, developing a soft touch out to 15 feet and showing glimpses of three-point potential.
“He’s just scratching the surface,” one NBA scout said after attending a Duke practice. “You can’t teach what he has naturally. And once the skillset catches up to the body, you’re talking about an All-NBA type of talent.”
Areas for Growth
As with any young prospect, there are questions about Maluach’s readiness for the NBA grind. At 230 pounds, he will need to add strength to handle the physicality of professional big men. Offensively, he sometimes struggles with double-teams and complex defensive schemes designed to neutralize his size advantage.
Consistency will also be key. While he had stretches of brilliance at Duke, there were games where he faded into the background, particularly against teams with veteran bigs who matched his physicality.
Yet these concerns are seen more as developmental checkpoints than red flags. Given his age — he only recently turned 18 — most executives believe Maluach has ample time to refine his game without the immediate pressure of carrying a franchise.
Symbol of Hope
Perhaps no player in this year’s draft embodies the power of opportunity like Khaman Maluach. His story resonates far beyond basketball courts, touching on themes of perseverance, hope, and the global reach of the sport.
For the people of South Sudan, Maluach’s success offers a source of immense pride. In a country that has often been defined by hardship, he represents possibility — proof that talent, when combined with opportunity and dedication, can transcend circumstances.
South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, even publicly congratulated Maluach on his achievements, calling him “an ambassador for our dreams.”
A New Chapter
By declaring for the NBA Draft, Maluach closes the first chapter of his extraordinary journey and embarks on an even more ambitious one. Wherever he lands — whether in San Antonio alongside Victor Wembanyama, in Charlotte, or elsewhere — Maluach will arrive as more than just a promising big man. He will arrive as a symbol of what is possible.
For Duke, his departure leaves a significant hole in the roster, but one that the program anticipated. Head coach Jon Scheyer praised Maluach’s decision, stating, “Khaman has represented Duke with incredible class. We knew he was special the day he arrived, and he has a bright future ahead. We’re so proud to have been part of his journey.”
As Maluach prepares for the NBA Combine and team workouts, the buzz will only grow louder. Front offices across the league will scrutinize every movement, every jump shot, every interview. But those who have followed his journey understand that Maluach’s greatest attributes — resilience, humility, and hunger — are harder to measure in a vertical leap or a shooting drill.