Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Rookie Records First Olympic Points in Historic Win

At only 17 years old, Duke basketball big man Khaman Maluach has scored a bucket and a win at the Olympics.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball center Khaman Maluach at 2024 Paris Olympics
Duke basketball center Khaman Maluach at 2024 Paris Olympics / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Khaman Maluach was by no means the centerpiece of South Sudan's attack in a 90-79 victory over Puerto Rico at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday. Even so, the 17-year-old Duke basketball freshman out of NBA Academy Africa may forever say that he was on the court for his home country's winning debut in men's basketball on the world's biggest stage.

ALSO READ: Sizzling Start for Duke One-And-Done RJ Barrett in France

The 7-foot-2, 250-pound center out of Rumbek, South Sudan, tallied two points, two rebounds, and one foul in his six minutes off the bench. Maluach shot 1-for-2 from the field and 0-for-1 from deep.

It wasn't quite as impressive as the part he played in giving Team USA a wake-up call during the first half of South Sudan's exhibition bout in London on July 20.

But Khaman Maluach and his squad — 2003-04 Duke basketball one-and-done Luol Deng is the head of the South Sudan Basketball Federation — get another shot at stunning the Americans when they square off in Group C action at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Team USA, featuring one Duke basketball product in 2016-17 one-and-done and reigning Boston Celtics champion forward Jayson Tatum, first faces Serbia at 11:15 a.m. Sunday.

As for the third Blue Devil talent competing in men's basketball at the Olympics, 2018-19 one-and-done and Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett led Canada to victory in its Group A opener on Saturday.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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