Blue Devil Country

Major Duke Basketball Target Teases Blueblood Finalists in Recruitment

There's now more evidence suggesting potential Duke basketball center Khaman Maluach is on the verge of a decision.

Matt Giles

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Khaman Maluach hasn't officially named finalists. But the NBA Academy Africa big man essentially did on Sunday by posting a sand-timer emoji and question mark above four pictures: one from his Duke basketball photo shoot and the others from his official visits to fellow blueblood suitors Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA.

In addition to those recent trips to Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA, Maluach has checked out G League Ignite in person. And last week, recruiting insider Adam Zagoria reported that the 7-foot-1, 250-pound five-star, a projected one-and-done lottery pick from South Sudan, is eyeing a March decision. 

His Sunday post on social media sure seems to align with that report:

Even so, the versatile giant — the Blue Devils' lone remaining target in the 2024 class — has not revealed a decision date. It wouldn't be a surprise, though, if his announcement arrives as soon as this week.

If Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang manage to reel in Khaman Maluach, they'd likely solidify their second top-ranked haul across the past three cycles. They remain the frontrunners in the eyes of the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

The five 2024 Blue Devil prizes to date are Paul VI Catholic (Va.) five-star center Patrick Ngongba II, Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star forward Cooper Flagg, North Meck (N.C.) five-star forward, Wisconsin Lutheran five-star forward Kon Knueppel, and Ngongba's Paul VI teammate, four-star forward Darren Harris.

Future Blue Devil Flexes in North Carolina Playoff Action

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more on Khaman Maluach's decision and other 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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