Duke’s Khaman Maluach reacts to death of Sudan basketball legendary coach William Deng Holnyang
Khaman Maluach is grieving the loss of a Sudanese basketball legend. The Duke center posted about the death of William Deng Holnyang on his Instagram story Tuesday.
Maluach, a South Sudan native, shared South Sudan basketball's post announcing Holnyang's death and shared his reaction.
"🙏🏾," Maluach wrote.
Before his historic coaching career, Holnyang was a national volleyball and basketball player for Sudan and represented the nation in international championships across four continents.
He coached a number of top clubs and developed young talent at Juba One Academy and Nimra Talata. Holnyang also guided women's teams like Dove Queens and Nile Legends.
South Sudan basketball commemorated Holnyang's life and legacy in the Instagram post that Maluach shared on his Instagram story.
"We will miss you, Coach. Your legacy lives on. May your soul rest in peace🏀🖤," part of the Instagram caption read.
Khaman Maluach declares for NBA draft
After an impressive freshman campaign at Duke, Khaman Maluach is taking his talents to the next level. The Blue Devils announced in April that the 7-foot-2 transfer would be declaring for the 2025 NBA draft, making him a one-and-done.
"NBA next. Duke forever. Thank you @khaman_maluach!! 💙💙👿," Duke men's basketball wrote on X.
Maluach came to Duke as the No. 4 player in his class and the top-ranked center, according to 247Sports. The freshman started in all 39 games for the Blue Devils this season and was a difference maker in the squad that won the ACC regular-season and tournament titles and made a March Madness run to the Final Four.
In his sole season at Duke, Maluach contributed team second-bests in rebounds (6.6) and steals (1.3). He averaged 8.6 points per game and shot 71.2%.
Maluach's size and defensive depth serve as his strengths ahead of the NBA draft, and his skill set should translate well to the next level.
The freshman phenom is projected to be a lottery pick in the draft on June 25, and mock drafts have pointed to his NBA potential. The star center is coming off an admirable freshman season with the Blue Devils and will look to hone his skill set further at the professional level.