Khaman Maluach Commits to Duke; Elite 2025 Draft Prospect Has Played at NBA Academy

Duke's 2024 recruiting class has added another blue-chip talent in NBA Academy alum Khaman Maluach.

Maluach explained his decision to commit to the Blue Devils to ESPN's Jonathan Givony:

"Duke is home, that's where I belong. This was the hardest decision I've ever made. I felt like I could succeed anywhere, but I was most comfortable going to Duke. All the schools that were recruiting me are big-time programs, but in terms of my development and the relationships I built with the coaches, they were the best."

Givony noted that Maluach is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA draft. He took official visits to Kansas, UCLA and Kentucky last month.

Travis Branham of 247Sports noted Maluach was also considering an offer from the G League Ignite.

Maluach doesn't have an official rating on 247Sports, but he's generally regarded as an elite-level talent. The Sudanese standout is listed at 7'1" and 250 pounds, with Givony noting his standing reach measured at 9'8" at the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in Indianapolis during NBA All-Star weekend last month.

For comparison, Victor Wembanyama has a 9'7" unofficial standing reach.

"I use that length to block shots, go get rebounds, and dunk the ball whenever I can. I love watching basketball," Maluach told Givony. "I watch a lot of Giannis, Joel Embiid. Victor. Chet. Anthony Davis. I watch everybody. I try to see what players are good at and learn from them."

Committing to Duke makes an already impressive recruiting class look even better. The Blue Devils now have six commitments for next season, including top overall recruit Cooper Flagg and three of the top 16 players by 247Sports rankings.

The next major event for Maluach will be at the Nike Hoop Summit with the World team in April. He will be competing against future Duke teammates Flagg, Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans.