Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Eyes Breakout Big Man From Senegal

The 2025 Duke basketball wishlist doesn't contain a listed center just yet.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Khaman Maluach has yet to write his story as a Duke basketball center. But the 7-foot-2 freshman from South Sudan is proof that third-year Blue Devil head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff are more than happy to fill some of their paint needs with pieces from outside the United States.

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On Wednesday, the Duke basketball staff had a courtside presence at the NCAA Academy in Rock Hill, S.C., to check out one of the event's main attractions thus far in Senegalese center Mouhammed Sylla.

On3's Jamie Shaw reported that at least one Blue Devil assistant was watching the 6-foot-10, 240-pound four-star. Reigning back-to-back UConn national champion head coach Dan Hurley and Oklahoma's Porter Moser, not to mention coaches from Kansas, Arkansas, Florida State, and others, were also on hand for the Sylla show.

Sylla, who attends NBA Academy Latin America, ranks No. 40 overall in the 2025 class, per On3. Even so, he has not reported any offers from college coaches.

Given the number of big-name programs in the building to scout him this week — the final live evaluation period of the summer — chances are Mouhammed Sylla hears from loads of potential suitors in the coming days and weeks.

As for Duke basketball's 13-deep 2025 offer sheet, which has yet to yield a commitment for Scheyer and his crew, it currently includes four top-shelf power forwards but no full-fledged centers.

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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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