Blue Devil Country

Khaman Maluach Builds Massive Dunk Lead Over Duke Basketball Opponents

The Duke basketball big man is capitalizing on his innate abilities as an alley-oop machine.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball center Khaman Maluach
Duke basketball center Khaman Maluach / Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
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Khaman Maluach, for the third time this season, has recorded double-digit points in two or more straight contests. After posting a double-double in the high-powered Duke basketball team's road home win over Cal, the 7-foot-2 freshman from South Sudan delivered 17 points in Saturday's 106-70 Cameron Indoor Stadium blowout at the expense of Stanford.

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Maluach's latest uptick in the scoring column is largely due to the long-limbed giant's penchant for being in position to efficiently flush alley-oop finds from savvy fellow starters Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel, and Sion James, along with the rest of Jon Scheyer's No. 3-ranked Blue Devils (22-3, 14-1 ACC).

Through 25 outings as a full-time starter, Maluach has produced 49 dunks. Thanks in part to his rim-protecting efforts on the other end of the floor, Duke's opponents have totaled 34.

"I wish you guys could see him every day in practice," Scheyer said to the media following Maluach's latest step forward, "because he's completely about the right things. He's completely about the preparation, attention to detail.

"For only playing the game for four or five years, whatever it's been, his feel is incredible to me."

Duke basketball next faces a road test against the Virginia Cavaliers (13-12, 6-8 ACC) in John Paul Jones Arena at 8 p.m. ET Monday (ESPN).

ALSO READ: Top North Carolina Recruit Attends Duke Win Over Stanford

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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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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