Duke’s Khaman Maluach Shocks Fans by Declaring for NBA Draft After Just One Year—What’s Next for the Rising Star?

In a move that sends a thunderous ripple through college hoops and NBA scouts alike, Duke’s towering freshman, Khaman Maluach, has declared for the NBA draft – opting to ride the wave just one season into his Blue Devil journey. Standing an imposing 7-foot-2 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Maluach showcased why he’s a coveted basketball gem, playing a pivotal role in Duke’s march to the Final Four. Duke made this official on Sunday through a social media announcement, confirming what The News & Observer of Raleigh first broke late Saturday, as Maluach elected the now-familiar one-and-done path with an eye on the professional jump—just in time to meet the NBA’s self-declaration deadline for the June draft. His blend of rim-running finesse, defensive versatility, and promising offensive touch hints that this is only the opening chapter of a much bigger story in the making. Already leaving a mark on the hardwood, Maluach’s impending leap feels like both an end and a thrilling new beginning. LEARN MORE

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Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 71.2% from the field, though he also was reliable at the line (76.6%) and made four 3-pointers to show the potential for expanded range. He still is developing his skill set, but his 7-5 wingspan and 9-8 standing reach offers attractive numbers for potential NBA suitors.AdvertisementAP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballAdvertisementDuke freshman big man Khaman Maluach is jumping to the NBA.Notably, Maluach is an elite rim-runner who used his length to finish off lobs for easy scores or to block shots at the center of a defense that ranked among the nation’s best in KenPom’s efficiency metrics, including with his ability to defend on the perimeter with Duke’s switching defense.