Sun Apr 06 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Duke’s Defensive Anchor, Khaman Maluach, Projected as Top-10 NBA Draft Pick
**NEWARK, N.J.** — Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot-2 center for Duke’s Final Four team, is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. His impressive defensive skills and ability to finish alley-oops have made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Maluach’s journey to the brink of the NBA is remarkable. A refugee from South Sudan, he only began playing basketball as a teenager, initially struggling to even catch the ball. He honed his skills through rigorous training, including time at the NBA Academy Africa and representing South Sudan in the Olympics.
Despite his late start, Maluach has become a crucial part of Duke’s success. His statistics (8.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game) don’t fully capture his impact; he’s the defensive anchor of a team that recently held the nation’s highest-scoring team, Alabama, to 65 points. His 9-foot-8 standing reach makes him a formidable presence in the paint, and his athleticism allows him to defend players on the perimeter.
His strong performance in the NCAA Tournament, including impressive alley-oop finishes and a developing offensive game (76.4% free throw shooting), has solidified his draft stock. Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projects Maluach to the Philadelphia 76ers, who could use a reliable big man, especially with Joel Embiid’s recent arthroscopic knee surgery.
Maluach credits his improvement to hard work and studying players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dikembe Mutombo. He’s praised by his teammates for his communication and leadership on the court. While he acknowledges he still has much to learn, Maluach’s rapid progress and exceptional talent point to a bright future in the NBA. His next challenge is the Final Four, followed by the exciting prospect of a high NBA draft selection.
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