Duke basketball’s freshman center, Khaman Maluach, demonstrated his growing impact on the court during Tuesday night’s commanding 68-47 home victory against the George Mason Patriots (7-4, 0-0 Atlantic 10). Although Maluach, a towering 7-foot-2, 250-pound athlete from South Sudan, did not register a field goal, his contributions extended well beyond scoring. In his season-high 24 minutes on the floor, Maluach went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line, collected eight rebounds, and added one steal and two blocks. His overall influence on the game was evident in his impressive +28 plus/minus rating, which further underscored his significance to the No. 5-ranked Blue Devils (9-2, 1-0 ACC).
Facing George Mason’s veteran big men, Jalen Haynes and Giovanni Emejuru, Maluach’s defensive prowess and rebounding ability were crucial. These efforts drew comparisons to former Duke standout Dereck Lively II, who was known for his defensive presence and intangible contributions during his collegiate career. Despite the lack of flashy statistics, Maluach’s role in anchoring the defense and controlling the paint played a significant part in Duke’s success.
Teammate Cooper Flagg, a fellow freshman and emerging star who led the game with 24 points and nine rebounds, praised Maluach’s performance in a postgame interview with Duke Blue Devils On SI. “I think he did such a good job tonight,” Flagg remarked. “He was playing good defense, rebounding, keeping them off the glass.”
Flagg’s comments highlighted Maluach’s potential and the value he brings to the team. “He’s such a good player,” Flagg continued. “Sometimes he struggles with confidence and doesn’t start games well. But tonight, he was exceptional from the very beginning, playing defense, grabbing rebounds, and doing everything he could. He’s such a presence in the paint, and I don’t think he fully realizes how much he impacts the game in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet.”
Maluach’s evolution as a player has been an ongoing process. Entering his first year at Duke, the South Sudan native has had to adapt to the rigors of college basketball while finding his role within a talented lineup. His height and physicality give him an inherent advantage, but it’s his developing understanding of the game and his growing confidence that have begun to set him apart. Tuesday’s game against George Mason offered a glimpse of what he’s capable of when he’s locked in and playing to his strengths.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer also acknowledged Maluach’s impact, emphasizing the importance of his defensive contributions. “Khaman’s presence in the paint changes the way opponents approach us,” Scheyer noted. “He’s learning how to use his size effectively, and tonight he showed how valuable he can be, especially against physical teams like George Mason.”
While Maluach’s offensive game remains a work in progress, his ability to make free throws under pressure and contribute on the boards has been a steadying factor for Duke. His performance on Tuesday not only showcased his potential but also highlighted the depth and versatility of the Blue Devils’ roster. With teammates like Flagg stepping up offensively, Maluach’s focus on defense and rebounding allows the team to maintain balance and control in critical moments.
The game also served as a reminder of the importance of role players in a team’s success. Maluach’s willingness to embrace his role and prioritize team objectives over individual accolades is a quality that can’t be overstated. As the season progresses, his ability to impact games through his defense and presence in the paint will be crucial, particularly in matchups against elite competition.
For Maluach, the key to continued success lies in building on performances like the one against George Mason. Consistency will be critical as Duke navigates a challenging schedule in the ACC and prepares for postseason play. If he can continue to refine his skills and play with confidence, there’s little doubt that he will become an even more integral part of the Blue Devils’ rotation.
Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg’s standout game further solidified his status as one of the team’s leaders. His scoring prowess and ability to contribute on the boards were instrumental in Duke’s victory, and his praise for Maluach reflects the camaraderie and mutual support within the team. The dynamic between Flagg and Maluach, as well as the contributions of other key players, exemplifies the balance and depth that have been hallmarks of Duke basketball.
As the Blue Devils look ahead, they’ll rely on the continued growth of their freshmen, including Maluach, to maintain their position as one of the nation’s top teams. With his combination of size, athleticism, and emerging confidence, Maluach has the tools to make a significant impact. Tuesday’s performance was a step in the right direction and a testament to the hard work and potential that have defined his journey thus far.
