Khaman Maluach’s Leap: Duke Freshman Declares for NBA Draft at Deadline

In a move that underscores his rapid ascent in the world of basketball, Duke University freshman Khaman Maluach has officially declared his eligibility for the 2025 NBA Draft. The towering 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan made his decision just before the deadline, capping off an impressive debut season with the Blue Devils that saw him emerge as a formidable presence and a projected lottery pick. Maluach’s declaration marks a significant step in his burgeoning career, fueled by his exceptional physical attributes, burgeoning skillset, and the undeniable potential that has NBA scouts buzzing.

Maluach’s journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but conventional. Born in South Sudan and having spent time in Uganda, he began his formal basketball training at the NBA Academy Africa. This initiative has become a crucial pipeline for international talent, providing young African players with elite coaching and development opportunities. Maluach’s participation in prestigious events like the Nike Hoop Summit further showcased his talent on a global stage, solidifying his status as a top-tier international prospect. His unique background and relatively recent immersion in high-level basketball underscore the raw potential and steep learning curve that make him such an intriguing prospect for NBA teams.

His arrival at Duke as a consensus top-five national recruit brought considerable anticipation, and Maluach did not disappoint. Starting every game for a Blue Devils squad that achieved significant success, including an ACC regular-season title, an ACC Tournament championship, and a run to the NCAA Final Four, Maluach proved to be an integral component of their success. In his freshman campaign, he averaged a notable 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. What stands out even more is his remarkable efficiency, shooting an impressive 71.2% from the field and a commendable 76.6% from the free-throw line across 39 appearances. These statistics highlight his effectiveness around the basket and his reliability from the charity stripe, crucial attributes for a modern NBA center.

Beyond the raw numbers, Maluach’s impact on the court was palpable. Defensively, his imposing 7-foot-6 wingspan and 9-foot-8 standing reach made him a formidable rim protector, altering shots and deterring opponents from attacking the basket. His agility and nimble footwork for a player of his size also allowed him to switch onto perimeter players, a highly coveted skill in today’s NBA where defensive versatility is paramount. Offensively, he thrived as a vertical threat, becoming a reliable lob target and demonstrating a knack for finishing plays in the pick-and-roll. His offensive rebounding rate was among the nation’s best, showcasing his motor and willingness to compete for second-chance opportunities.

While his post-game and perimeter scoring are areas ripe for further development, Maluach displayed encouraging signs throughout the season. He even knocked down four three-pointers, hinting at a potential for expanded range, a trait that would significantly enhance his value in the NBA. His soft hands and growing touch around the basket suggest that his offensive repertoire will continue to evolve with professional coaching and experience.

The decision to declare for the NBA Draft as a freshman, often referred to as going “one-and-done,” is a testament to Maluach’s confidence in his readiness for the professional level and the high evaluations he has likely received from NBA teams. He joins fellow Duke freshmen Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, along with junior Tyrese Proctor, in making an early leap to the NBA, signaling a significant roster turnover for the Blue Devils. Notably, Cooper Flagg is widely projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the draft, further highlighting the talent level Maluach shared the court with.

NBA draft analysts have already placed Maluach high on their draft boards, with some projecting him as a lottery pick. His combination of elite physical tools, defensive potential, and offensive upside makes him an enticing long-term project for any NBA franchise. At just 18 years old (turning 19 in September), Maluach is one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, suggesting significant room for growth and development.

Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer expressed his support for Maluach’s decision, acknowledging his unique talent and immense potential. “His best years are by far in front of him,” Scheyer said in a social media video. “He’s just scratching the surface. He has an amazing base for who he is as a player, but that skillset is just going ¹ to continue to grow.” Scheyer also praised Maluach’s competitiveness and physicality, noting that his readiness for the college game despite his age was “incredibly impressive.”  

However, Maluach’s draft declaration comes amidst some off-court complexities. Reports have emerged regarding a U.S. visa revocation policy affecting South Sudanese citizens. Duke University acknowledged these reports and stated they were assessing any potential implications for their students. The specifics of how this might affect Maluach’s transition to the NBA remain somewhat unclear, particularly if he were to be drafted by a Canadian team, which could involve navigating cross-border travel and residency requirements. While NBA teams are experienced in handling international player paperwork, the timing and logistics could be a factor in their evaluations.

Despite these potential challenges, Maluach’s talent and potential are undeniable. His journey from South Sudan to a projected lottery pick in the NBA Draft is a remarkable testament to his hard work, dedication, and the effectiveness of programs like the NBA Academy Africa in nurturing international basketball talent. As he enters the pre-draft process, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and further impress NBA teams with his athleticism, defensive prowess, and developing offensive game.

The NBA Draft eligibility rules stipulate that players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. For non-“international players” (defined as those who have permanently resided outside the U.S. for at least three years before the draft, never enrolled in a U.S. college or university, and did not complete high school in the U.S.), at least one NBA season must have passed since their high school graduation. Given Maluach’s international background and freshman status, his eligibility hinges on meeting the age requirement and declaring for the draft within the established deadlines.

As the NBA Draft Combine and individual team workouts approach, Maluach will be under intense scrutiny. Teams will be evaluating not only his physical tools and on-court abilities but also his maturity, coachability, and long-term potential. His rapid development in a short period speaks volumes about his work ethic and basketball IQ, qualities that are highly valued by NBA front offices.

Khaman Maluach’s decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his basketball journey. His blend of size, athleticism, and burgeoning skills has positioned him as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class. While off-court factors may present some hurdles, his on-court potential is undeniable, and NBA teams will undoubtedly be eager to invest in his development. As the draft approaches in June, all eyes will be on this talented young man from South Sudan as he takes the next giant leap in his promising career. His declaration at the deadline underscores the urgency and high stakes involved in these pivotal decisions, setting the stage for what promises to be a fascinating draft process.