BREAKING: 7-foot-2 “Unicorn” Khaman Maluach Officially Signs with Duke Blue Devils
In a major coup for the Blue Devils, Duke University has officially secured the commitment of 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach — the towering South Sudanese prospect long considered a generational talent. The announcement declares Maluach as the final piece of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class, a group now ranked among the most elite in recent program history.
From Refugee Camps to NCAA Powerhouse
Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, and raised in Uganda, Maluach’s journey has been extraordinary. He only began playing organized basketball around 2019, after being discovered walking along a road — a path that eventually led him to the prestigious NBA Academy Africa in Senegal. Despite his relative inexperience, Maluach’s size, wingspan, and raw athleticism made him an instant standout. He eventually rose to become a five-star recruit and one of the top overall prospects in his class.
Coach Jon Scheyer — now leading the Blue Devils — expressed strong enthusiasm in welcoming Maluach: “At 7-foot-2, Khaman can score inside and out, handle the ball, and protect the rim at a high level.”
What Maluach Brings to Duke
Maluach is a rare blend of size, mobility, and defensive potential. Official measurements list him at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, with a reported 7-foot-5 wingspan and an extraordinary 9-foot-8 standing reach. Even with only a few years of organized hoops under his belt, the big man already shows promise — able to protect the rim, contest shots, and finish lobs with ease. His athletic tools and rapid development give him a high ceiling.
Offensively, while he remains largely a rim-finisher, there are early signs he could expand his game. Scouts believe his soft hands and mobility — unusual for a man of his size — could evolve into a multi-dimensional offensive threat down the line.
A Strategic Move for Duke
The arrival of Maluach significantly strengthens Duke’s frontcourt — and signals the program’s ambition to compete at the highest level. His addition gives head coach Jon Scheyer a unique interior presence, something few college teams can match. For Duke, it’s not just about height or length; it’s about building a foundation for the future around a young, high-ceiling talent who could anchor their defense for years.
For Maluach, the move to Durham represents much more than basketball. It’s a chance to refine his game, continue his development under elite coaching, and prepare for a likely future in the NBA. As he puts it: this is where he belongs.
With Maluach now officially “Blue Devil,” the college basketball world is watching. Can this South Sudanese “unicorn” become the next big name to rise from Africa’s rapidly growing basketball pipeline? Only time — and hard work in Durham — will tell.
