Khaman Maluach, Rising Star

Watching this guy grow is going to be a real treat.

Understandably, there’s a huge buzz about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg but it’s possible that he might eventually be seen as the second best player on this year’s Duke team.

Who might be first?

Why Khaman Maluach, of course.

The Duke freshman from South Sudan (although he has been a refugee for his entire life) has shown immense potential. Check out what recruiting analyst Eric Bossi has to say about the rising young star:

“What immediately stands out about Maluach is his size. He’s simply massive. At 7-foot-1 with a big and strong frame, he’s almost impossible to move in the post and he has a pretty well developed low post game. He makes jump hooks, he finishes lobs, he has counter moves and he knows how to establish position, present a target for his guards and then finish once the ball is delivered.

“What makes him even more special is that he has legitimate faceup ability. He is comfortable taking and making threes and while he needs to get more consistent with his shooting, it is already a legitimate weapon that he’ll only improve upon with time.”

Flagg is going to draw all the attention - already has - but Maluach’s size and hit talent is gong to hit big. But here’s the thing Flagg and Maluach have in common: their wills are off the charts. Neither guy is coasting by on natural ability which always runs out. Both Flagg and Maluach are workers and learn quickly. Flagg has done much of his work today in AAU play though. Maluach’s journey was much more challenging. No one should bet against a guy who has overcome so much at such a young age.