Khaman Maluach: From Duke’s Star to NBA Lottery Pick

In the ever-competitive world of college basketball, players are always striving to make their mark. But few have done so as effectively as Khaman Maluach, Duke’s towering big man whose athleticism and versatility have made him one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. With his decision to declare for the NBA, Maluach is a potential top-10 pick after playing a pivotal role in Duke’s run to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.

The 7-foot Maluach has all the tools necessary to thrive at the next level: elite shot-blocking ability, an impressive scoring touch, and a physical presence that can dominate on both ends of the floor. As his draft stock continues to soar, let’s break down his journey from the Blue Devils to potentially one of the first names called on draft night.

Khaman Maluach’s journey to Duke was nothing short of remarkable. Born in Texas to Sudanese immigrants, Maluach’s basketball journey started later than most. Standing at 7 feet tall, he was a late bloomer, initially playing a variety of sports before eventually focusing on basketball. His height was always an advantage, but it wasn’t until his high school years that he started drawing attention from top-tier programs.

Maluach’s potential was evident, and by the time he committed to Duke, he was regarded as one of the best big men in the 2024 recruiting class. His decision to join Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary program was seen as a significant move for both his career and the Blue Devils’ future.

At Duke, Maluach was tasked with stepping into a long line of star big men, from legends like Christian Laettner to recent players like Jahlil Okafor and Zion Williamson. The expectations were high, but Maluach embraced the challenge, quickly making his presence felt.

As a freshman, Maluach quickly proved that he was no ordinary center. He brought a unique blend of athleticism and intelligence to the floor, something that was rare for a player of his size. With the ability to finish around the basket, block shots with ease, and disrupt opposing offenses, he became a core component of Duke’s formidable frontcourt.

Maluach’s most noticeable attribute was his defense. Standing at 7 feet, he had an incredible wingspan, which allowed him to challenge shots without fouling. His shot-blocking numbers were through the roof, and he became a game-changer on the defensive end. However, it wasn’t just his ability to alter shots that made him a standout. Maluach’s agility allowed him to cover a lot of ground in the paint, and he showed off an impressive ability to switch on defense, guarding smaller players on the perimeter.

Offensively, he developed a solid mid-range jumper that kept defenders honest, and his finishing around the basket was nearly impossible to stop. Though he wasn’t asked to be Duke’s primary scorer, he provided a consistent offensive presence that kept defenses on edge.

His most significant development during his freshman year was his understanding of the game’s nuances. Duke’s coaching staff pushed him to refine his basketball IQ, and Maluach responded. His decision-making improved, particularly on offense, where he learned to play off the ball and become more of a facilitator in pick-and-roll situations.

While Maluach had already made a name for himself during the regular season, it was in the 2025 NCAA Tournament where he truly exploded onto the national stage. Duke had a solid but not spectacular regular season, finishing near the top of the ACC but with a few glaring losses. However, once the tournament began, the Blue Devils found their rhythm, and Maluach was a significant reason for their success.

In the Sweet 16, Duke faced off against a tough Kansas team. Maluach delivered a dominant performance, posting a double-double and playing crucial minutes down the stretch as Duke pulled off the upset. His 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks helped propel the Blue Devils to a spot in the Elite Eight, where Maluach continued to excel. His defensive presence was key in Duke’s victory over Purdue, the top-ranked team in the tournament, sending the Blue Devils to their first Final Four since 2019.

Maluach’s ability to play big in the postseason was what separated him from many other prospects in his class. He wasn’t just putting up empty stats—his performance in the clutch moments of the tournament proved that he could deliver when the stakes were highest. The scouts took notice, and Maluach’s NBA stock skyrocketed. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess was the perfect recipe for a lottery pick, and many experts saw him as a potential top-10 selection.

In the Final Four, despite Duke’s eventual loss, Maluach’s all-around game continued to impress. He was a matchup nightmare, showing off his ability to score, rebound, and block shots against some of the best college players in the country. His performance solidified his status as one of the top big men in the 2025 draft class.

After the conclusion of Duke’s NCAA Tournament run, Maluach announced that he would forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. This decision came as no surprise. Maluach’s talent had been on display all season, and with his stock at an all-time high, there was little reason to stay in college when the opportunity to enter the NBA was so imminent.

The timing of his declaration was perfect. The NBA is currently in need of versatile big men who can both protect the rim and stretch the floor. Maluach’s ability to excel in both of these areas makes him a coveted commodity. He’s a physical specimen who can contribute immediately in a variety of ways, and with his upside, he has the potential to become an elite player at the next level.

At 7 feet tall and weighing in at around 240 pounds, Maluach has the size to compete at the NBA level. His athleticism is arguably his best trait, and it allows him to match up with some of the most explosive athletes in the league. He’s a fluid runner, capable of getting up and down the court with ease, and his ability to finish above the rim will make him a constant threat in transition.

One of the areas Maluach needs to improve is his consistency as a scorer. While he has a solid mid-range game, he’ll need to develop a more reliable three-point shot to keep defenders honest in the modern NBA. If he can stretch his range out beyond the arc, he could become a versatile offensive weapon.

Defensively, Maluach is already elite. His shot-blocking ability will immediately translate to the NBA, and his lateral quickness will allow him to guard smaller players in pick-and-roll situations. He’ll need to continue improving his rebounding technique and boxing out, but his length and leaping ability give him a significant advantage over many other big men.

The key to Maluach’s success in the NBA will be his ability to adapt to the pace and style of play in the league. The NBA is known for its uptempo games and three-point shooting, so he’ll need to refine his skills in these areas. However, his raw potential is undeniable, and his combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a near-perfect fit for today’s NBA.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Khaman Maluach’s stock continues to rise. Many analysts have him as a potential top-10 pick, with some even speculating that he could be selected in the top 5. His performance at Duke, especially in the NCAA Tournament, proved that he’s more than just a physical specimen—he’s a player who can perform at the highest level when the lights are brightest.

There are several teams in the lottery that could benefit from adding a player of Maluach’s skill set. A team in need of a dynamic, two-way big man could immediately slot him into their rotation. With his versatility, Maluach could be a difference-maker for a variety of teams, whether as a starting center or a key contributor off the bench.

The NBA is increasingly valuing players who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and protect the rim. Maluach ticks all of those boxes. His potential for growth is immense, and as he develops his game, he has the chance to become one of the top big men in the league.

As Khaman Maluach prepares to make the leap from college to the NBA, his future is undoubtedly bright. He’s already proven himself to be one of the most talented players in college basketball, and his performance in the NCAA Tournament only further solidified his status as one of the best prospects available in 2025.

With the potential to be a top-10 pick, Maluach is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Whether he lands with a playoff contender or a rebuilding team, his presence will be felt. In a league that’s increasingly focused on versatility and athleticism, Maluach has all the tools to succeed.

For now, the next chapter of Khaman Maluach’s basketball career will begin with the NBA Draft, where he’ll find out which team will take a chance on his immense potential. And after that, the sky is the limit for one of college basketball’s most promising big men.