Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Staff Reportedly Enters Battle for 7-Footer Overseas

It's conceivable the latest Duke basketball offer is related to a recent Blue Devil recruiting miss.

Matt Giles

Duke Basketball Staff Reportedly Enters Battle for 7-Footer Overseas
Duke Basketball Staff Reportedly Enters Battle for 7-Footer Overseas /
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The Duke basketball program has extended an offer to NBA Academy Africa center Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot-2, 240-pound projected five-star told On3's Joe Tipton on Monday. He also reported offers from Georgetown and UCLA.

On3 ranks Maluach at No. 1 among big men and No. 8 overall in the 2025 class. However, he remains absent from the 247Sports 2025 Composite because he attends school overseas.

Meanwhile, his September 2006 birthdate makes one wonder if he could reclassify to 2024 — à la Blue Devil target Cooper Flagg's recent move — since the potential one-and-done will be eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. Perhaps the Duke basketball staff has that in mind after losing the race for 2024 center Flory Bidunga over the weekend.

After watching Khaman Maluach show off his promising game for the Global Academy at the Sportradar Showdown in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, 247Sports' Eric Bossi provided the following assessment:

"Maluach looked like the Global Academy's top long-term prospect and could eventually be in the conversation for five-star status if he chooses to play college basketball. He's got a huge frame to build on and, unsurprisingly with his size and length, a big-time threat as a lob finisher and shot blocker."

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang have yet to land their first 2025 commitment but now have offers out to Maluach and six others in the class.

RELATED: List of Every Recruit Currently Holding a Blue Devil Offer

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting 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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