Blue Devil Country

Projected Duke Basketball Lottery Pick Learns From Recent Foul Trouble

Duke basketball best benefits from the low-post presence of Khaman Maluach when the whistle poses no hurdle.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball players Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach
Duke basketball players Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
In this story:

The scale of Khaman Maluach's development late in the 7-foot-2, 250-pounder's Duke basketball rookie campaign may well determine the ultimate fate of Jon Scheyer's No. 3-ranked Duke Blue Devils (21-3, 13-1 ACC), fresh off Wednesday night's 78-57 home win over Cal.

ALSO READ: Every Angle of Cooper Flagg's Latest Viral Dunk

Of course, one integral component to Maluach's growth as a full-time starter with a 7-foot-5 wingspan alongside Cooper Flagg & Co. is the assurance that foul trouble won't keep him off the floor late in March Madness contests down the road.

In that respect, not to mention the double-double that came as a result, Maluach's performance against the Golden Bears was highly encouraging. The South Sudan native, who fouled out in Duke's streak-snapping 77-71 loss at Clemson on Saturday night, recorded only one back in Durham.

"I thought Khaman was terrific today," Scheyer said following the bounceback victory, noting some of the highlights in the 18-year-old's all-around impressive stat line, which included 10 points, 12 rebounds, one block, and only one turnover in his 22 minutes on the floor.

"Seven offensive rebounds. Double-double. He's so unselfish. He has three assists. And to be 7-foot-2, to play with that big of a motor, and then still be a great decision maker and play hard, where you get 12 rebounds, [I'm] really proud of him with what he did."

What he did, centered on his leap when it comes to impacting momentum without racking up unnecessary fouls in the process, equated to his fourth double-double, boosting his season averages — a durable starter in all 24 games to date — to 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds.

"I've worked on that," Maluach explained in the locker room after avoiding fouls effectively versus Cal, "learning from the last game and not picking up silly fouls or fouls early in the first half or beginning of the second half. I watch film, and I learn from that. And that's what I did today."

Duke basketball next hosts the Stanford Cardinal (16-9, 8-6 ACC) in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 4 p.m. ET Saturday (ABC).

RELATED: Rookie Big Man Ends One Blue Devil Drought

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

Published
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.

Home/Basketball