Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Looks Like Near Lock to Land Five-Star Big Man

Predictions are beginning to pile up in favor of the Duke basketball program for 7-footer Khaman Maluach.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Recent history suggests that national recruiting insider Travis Branham, batting 30-for-30 with predictions on the 2024 trail, typically doesn't enter a 247Sports Crystal Ball pick until he has real intel regarding a recruit's decision. Well, on Tuesday evening, he forecasted Duke basketball to reel in NBA Academy Africa center Khaman Maluach.

And Branham did so with a "high" tag in the confidence column. That brings the number of Crystal Ball predictions to four in the Maluach sweepstakes.

They all point to the Blue Devils prevailing over Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, and G League Ignite for the 7-foot-1, 250-pound five-star from South Sudan.

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The expectation is that Maluach, who reclassified to 2024 and is now a projected one-and-done 2025 lottery pick due to his size, length, agility, and multifaceted repertoire, will reveal his choice this month. On that note, it's worth pointing out that Branham's picks often pop up within days of an announcement.

In other words, Duke basketball fans should be on official commitment watch.

Second-year head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang look to add to the program's top-ranked 2024 haul, which already includes four five-star prospects, including the No. 1 high school senior in phenom forward Cooper Flagg, plus a top-shelf four-star.

Khaman Maluach is absent from the 247Sports 2024 Composite due to his current international status. However, On3 ranks him No. 9 overall and No. 2 among big men in the class.

Five-Star Duke Signee Extends Undefeated Season in Style

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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