By Pat Welter

He waited until the deadline, but Duke’s Khaman Maluach has declared for the NBA draft, joining fellow Blue Devil freshman Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel in this year’s class.

Maluach is a 7’2 rim protector that is a projected lottery pick. He was born in South Sudan and grew up in Uganda.  He didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13.  In 2021 he joined the NBA Academy Africa.  In 2024 he helped South Sudan qualify for the Paris Olympics.  His heritage makes his draft situation complicated.  Due to a Trump administration decision to revoke Visas for South Sudanese passport holders, Maluach cannot re-enter the United States if he leaves.  That would prevent him from working out for teams like the Toronto Raptors in Canada during the process. 

Maluach averaged 8.6 points. 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his one season at Duke.

In a post on X.com, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said, “I’ve absolutely loved coaching Khaman. I’m gonna miss him,” Scheyer said. “He’s not afraid of contact. Really, he should be in high school still. To play with that level of physicality and readiness is unique, and for Khaman to make that adjustment to college so quickly is incredibly impressive. His best years are by far in front of him.”

The NBA draft is scheduled for June 25th.

Source: wralsportsfan.com