Blue Devil Country

Gigantic Recruit Coming to Next Duke Basketball Home Game

A powerful 2024 center will be behind the Duke basketball bench when the Blue Devils host Pitt.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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The Duke basketball staff is set to host NBA Academy Africa big man Khaman Maluach this weekend, On3's Joe Tipton reported on Monday. His trip to Durham coincides with the Cameron Indoor Stadium matchup between the No. 7 Blue Devils (13-3, 4-1 ACC) and unranked Pitt (10-6, 1-4 ACC) at 8 p.m. ET Saturday (ACC Network).

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Maluach, a 7-foot-2, 235-pound South Sudan native who's absent from most sites' rankings due to his international status but is a projected five-star prospect, landed an offer from Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer in August. At the time, he was in the 2025 class, but he announced his move to 2024 in December.

And as of Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star guard VJ Edgecombe's commitment to Baylor over Duke and Kentucky on Sunday night, Khaman Maluach is the only undecided 2024 talent remaining on the reported Blue Devil wishlist.

There's no doubt the versatile giant is a priority target and has significant interest in Duke, as the upcoming official visit will be the first in his recruitment.

Furthermore, Scheyer and his crew might have help behind the scenes in 2003-04 Duke basketball one-and-done Luol Deng. He's president of the South Sudan basketball federation and served as an assistant for the country's first FIBA World Cup appearance this past summer, and Maluach was the youngest player on that team.

According to On3, which ranks the long-limbed 17-year-old at No. 15 overall among his 2024 peers, Duke is one of only three schools that have entered the fray for his potentially one-and-done services. UCLA and Georgetown are the other two known suitors.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils enjoy the nation's premier 2024 recruiting haul with five heralded signees already in tow, including the top-ranked senior prep in five-star phenom forward Cooper Flagg.

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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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