College football insider calls Duke commit Khaman Maluach’s strength “NBA level”, while highlighting his weaker points
Duke Blue Devils 2024 recruit Khaman Maluach is set to represent South Sudan in the Paris Olympics. The 7-foot-2 player holds a lot of promise due to his length and 9-foot-8 standing reach. Even though he is not making headlines from the range, Maluach displays improving mechanics from the 3-point line, making him a floor-stretching unicorn.
Nevertheless, in Zion O’s latest scouting report on the versatility of big man, the insider emphasizes his weak offensive elements. The Duke insider claims that Khaman Maluach struggles through contact and has a tough time with the ball. Nevertheless, when it comes to defense, he thinks that Maluach is elite enough to make an impact in the NBA.
Given that Khaman Maluach is 17 years old, there is plenty of room for growth. Even if he does not bulk up with Duke, he can efficiently do it in the NBA.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid are a few of the big men who drastically changed their size to suit their game style. Victor Wembanayama is one of the current players going through the process.
Moreover, fumbling passes and weak hands are common themes among young front-court players. With Duke's player development program, Khaman Maluach can immediately develop adequate skills to eliminate his struggles with the ball.
Khaman Malauch is set to face Team USA
Before South Sudan embarks on its Olympic debut, they will face off against the stacked Team USA on July 20 (Saturday). The game will begin at 3 pm ET at the O2 Arena in London.
Khaman Maluach will face Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo and Joel Embiid as part of South Sudan’s starting lineup in the pre-Olympic exhibition game.
Team USA is coming off a win against Nikola Jokic and Serbia. South Sudan also enters the game off an 80-72 win against Portugal earlier this week in Madrid. The team displayed a lot of promise when they defeated Angola, the Philippines and China in the 2023 World Cup.
Saturday will be South Sudan's first-ever game against the USA and could give them a feel for competing against the best rosters. The two teams will meet again at the Olympics as part of group matchups on July 31.