Duke’s Khaman Maluach Declares for the Draft

Khaman Maluach’s declaration for the 2025 NBA Draft marks a significant moment—not just in his personal ascent, but in the evolution of African basketball on the global stage. Born in South Sudan and refined through the NBA Academy Africa, the 7-foot-2 center with a 7-foot-5 wingspan represents the next wave of elite international talent. 

His freshman campaign at Duke, where he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, confirmed what scouts had suspected for some time: Maluach is a legitimate first-round prospect with immediate defensive impact and long-term upside.

At Duke, Maluach anchored one of the NCAA’s most dominant defenses, using his size, timing, and verticality to shut down the paint. He was far more than just a towering presence—his ability to read plays, rotate quickly, and stay disciplined in coverage made him one of the best shot blockers in college basketball. His instincts and discipline were uncommon for a freshman, and his performance rarely wavered, even against top-tier competition.

Offensively, Maluach is still developing, but there’s plenty to get excited about. He possesses soft hands, solid footwork in the low post, and a growing comfort facing the basket. His mid-range jumper is clean and repeatable, and there are signs that his range could extend further with pro-level training. Unlike many raw bigs, Maluach shows real feel on offense—he knows when to kick out, how to seal defenders, and where to find soft spots in the defense.

What sets Maluach apart even more is his journey. He came up in a region of Africa that has historically lacked basketball infrastructure, relying on sheer athleticism and hunger before finding structure through the NBA Academy Africa. That program accelerated his development with elite coaching and world-class facilities, transforming raw potential into refined skill. His story echoes those of Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, and Serge Ibaka—African-born stars who rose to prominence through hard work and the right developmental ecosystem.

Scouts rave about Maluach’s ceiling. He adjusted quickly to the speed and physicality of the college game, rarely found himself in foul trouble, and showed an eagerness to be coached—all traits that suggest a steep upward curve in the NBA. His blend of physical tools, defensive acumen, and offensive potential has made him one of the most intriguing big men in the 2025 class.

More broadly, Maluach’s rise underscores the NBA’s deepening ties with Africa. The NBA Academy and increased international scouting have turned the continent into a hotbed for pro-level talent. Maluach now stands as a symbol of that progress—a player whose journey from South Sudan to the NBA Draft showcases the continent’s growing imprint on the league. His next chapter will unfold under the bright lights of pre-draft evaluations, but the foundation he’s built makes him one of the most compelling stories heading into this year’s draft.