The Duke Blue Devils wrapped up their incredible 2024–25 season with a 35–4 overall record, securing the ACC regular-season title with a dominant 19–1 conference performance and adding an ACC Tournament championship to their resume. Their Final Four appearance put the finishing touch on what has been a breakout season — not just for the team, but also for head coach Jon Scheyer, who continues to solidify his reputation as one of college basketball’s brightest young coaching stars.
One of the biggest stories of Duke’s season was the rapid rise of freshman center Khaman Maluach. On Saturday night, Maluach officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, setting his sights on the next big step in his basketball career.
Early Sunday morning, Duke’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a heartfelt video featuring Jon Scheyer reflecting on what Maluach has meant to the Blue Devils this past year.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching Khaman. I’m going to miss him,” Scheyer said. “He’s not afraid of contact. Really, he should still be in high school. To play at this level of physicality and readiness at his age is incredibly rare. For Khaman to adjust to college basketball so quickly shows just how special he is. His best years are still ahead of him.”
Khaman Maluach’s Journey to Duke
Standing at an imposing 7-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, Khaman Maluach has a unique story that sets him apart from many of his peers. Born in South Sudan, Maluach developed his basketball skills at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, a premier training program that has produced a number of emerging international stars.
Before committing to Duke, Maluach gained valuable experience playing professional basketball across several countries. In 2022, he suited up for Cobra Sport, a South Sudanese club competing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The following year, he joined AS Douanes in Senegal, and later played for the City Oilers in Uganda in 2024.
That professional experience helped accelerate his development, and by the time he arrived in Durham, he was already seasoned well beyond his years.
In March 2024, Maluach made his commitment to Duke official, bringing excitement and high expectations with him. He wasted no time making his presence felt in college basketball.
A Standout Freshman Season
In his freshman year with the Blue Devils, Khaman Maluach averaged an impressive 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting a scorching 71.2% from the field across 39 appearances. His size, athleticism, and feel for the game allowed him to dominate in the paint on both ends of the court.
Maluach’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He earned a spot on the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Top 20 Watch List and was named to the 2025 ACC All-Freshman Team — accolades that only further boosted his stock heading into the NBA Draft.
Despite being just 18 years old, Maluach played with a maturity and toughness rarely seen at his age. His ability to embrace physicality and his quick adaptation to the college game were a major reason for Duke’s success this season.
What’s Next for Khaman Maluach?
As the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery approaches on May 12, excitement continues to build around Khaman Maluach‘s professional future. With his size, skill set, and work ethic, he is expected to be a high first-round pick, with some projections placing him firmly in the lottery.
While Maluach’s departure leaves a big hole in Duke’s frontcourt, it’s clear that both he and the program are set up for bright futures. Jon Scheyer’s program continues to attract elite talent year after year, and the 2025-26 Blue Devils are already assembling another strong roster to stay competitive at the highest level.
Meanwhile, for Maluach, the NBA presents a new set of challenges and opportunities. His experience across multiple countries, his poise under pressure, and his relentless drive will serve him well as he takes the next step toward realizing his dream.
It’s not often that a player with his combination of size, mobility, and professional experience enters the draft. NBA scouts have taken notice, and it won’t be surprising to hear his name called early on draft night.
Jon Scheyer’s Growing Legacy
Even with the loss of key players like Maluach, Jon Scheyer’s ability to keep Duke among the nation’s elite programs cannot be overstated. Since taking over for Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has shown a strong ability to recruit, develop, and maximize young talent — exactly what you want in today’s fast-paced world of college basketball.
His words about Khaman Maluach show a deep respect and admiration for the young center, and they reflect the kind of culture Scheyer is building at Duke — one where players not only grow on the court but also leave lasting impressions off it.
As Maluach’s journey continues into the NBA, there’s no doubt that Scheyer and Duke fans everywhere will be cheering him on.