The Duke basketball program just got a little lighter up front — and a lot prouder.
On Sunday, Duke officially announced that freshman center Khaman Maluach will be declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, joining his fellow standout classmates Kon Knueppel and National Player of the Year Cooper Flagg in taking the next step toward the pros.
Maluach, a 7-foot-2 force from South Sudan, was a major presence for the Blue Devils this season. Despite not turning 19 until September 14, he’s already considered one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, likely a lottery pick thanks to his elite combination of size, skill, and maturity.
A Breakout Freshman Season
In his first and only season at Duke, Khaman Maluach made an immediate impact. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while logging 21.2 minutes a night. Importantly, he started every single game for the Blue Devils, a testament to both his talent and the trust head coach Jon Scheyer placed in him.
Duke leaned heavily on Maluach during their incredible run to the Final Four, where they eventually fell to Houston. Along the way, the freshman center showed off a versatile game that goes beyond just being a big body in the paint.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching Khaman,” Scheyer shared in a heartfelt social media post. “I’m going to miss him every single day. He’s got the most contagious personality. Of course, he’s got an incredible skill set on the floor being 7-2. He’s got great timing. His ball skills are great. All that, I think, is there that you can see. But for me, the separator is how hard he plays, how competitive he is, and that he’s not afraid of contact.“
Those are the types of traits that NBA scouts love, and they’re a big part of why Maluach is climbing draft boards across the league.
Physical Tools That Can’t Be Taught
Standing 7-foot-2 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Khaman Maluach is already physically prepared for the NBA. His measurements are jaw-dropping: a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a standing reach of 9 feet, 8 inches. Those numbers help explain why he was such a dominant force protecting the rim.
But it’s not just his size that makes him special. Throughout Duke’s 15-game winning streak leading up to the NCAA Tournament semifinals, Maluach showed that he could defend quicker, smaller players on the perimeter — an incredibly rare ability for a player of his stature. His agility, combined with his shot-blocking instincts and timing, make him a perfect fit for the modern NBA, where big men are expected to guard multiple positions.
Another Major Loss for Duke Basketball
With Khaman Maluach heading to the NBA, Duke basketball will not return any of its top six players based on minutes played from their 35-4 season. It’s a major transition for Jon Scheyer’s program.
Already, Cooper Flagg (19.2 points per game) and Kon Knueppel (14.4 points per game) have declared for the draft. Junior Tyrese Proctor, who contributed 12.4 points per game, is also off to the pros. Graduate transfers Sion James (8.6 points per game) and Mason Gillis (4.1 points per game) have used up their eligibility.
For Scheyer and his coaching staff, that means 2025-26 will be a season of significant change. While the Blue Devils are never short on talent — thanks to another loaded incoming recruiting class — there’s no replacing the experience and leadership that players like Maluach brought to the court every night.
What’s Next for Khaman Maluach?
As he prepares for the NBA Draft, Khaman Maluach is in a great position. His physical gifts and defensive prowess make him a potential difference-maker right away at the next level.
NBA teams will be thrilled with his combination of size, mobility, and work ethic. He’s still developing on the offensive side of the ball, but he already has solid touch around the rim and flashes of a midrange jumper that could make him even more dangerous. With the right coaching and a little time to adjust to the NBA pace, Maluach could become a high-level starter and a key piece for a rebuilding franchise — or a luxury for a playoff contender looking for an elite rim protector.
Don’t be surprised if Maluach’s name is called earlier than many expect on draft night.
Final Thoughts
It’s never easy for Duke basketball fans to say goodbye to rising stars, but Khaman Maluach’s decision to enter the NBA Draft is a proud moment for the program. He leaves behind a legacy of toughness, humility, and excellence — qualities that will surely follow him into his professional career.
As he heads to the next level, Duke fans will be watching closely, ready to cheer him on just like they did in Cameron Indoor Stadium. No matter where his NBA journey begins, Khaman Maluach has already made his mark on Duke basketball history.