Duke lands 5-star big man Khaman Maluach

Five-star center Khaman Maluach has committed to Duke, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

The 17-year-old is considered the top big man in the class of 2024 and a projected top-five pick in next year's NBA draft.

Maluach chose the Blue Devils over Kentucky, Kansas, and UCLA. He also received offers from the G League Ignite and the Australian NBL's Next Stars program, according to Givony.

"Duke is home, that's where I belong," Maluach said. "This was the hardest decision I've ever made. I felt like I could succeed anywhere, but I was most comfortable going to Duke.

"All the schools that were recruiting me are big-time programs, but in terms of my development and the relationships I built with the coaches, they were the best."

The 7-foot-2 center was a member of South Sudan's squad at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, playing a small role in helping his nation qualify for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Maluach will represent Team World at April's Nike Hoop Summit. He was the MVP of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in August 2023.

Duke already had a loaded 2024 recruiting class featuring a trio of five-star prospects, including No. 1 overall recruit Cooper Flagg. Maluach should slot into the Blue Devils' starting lineup next season with Kyle Filipowski expected to declare for the NBA draft this summer.