Duke Blue Devils fans must be smiling ear to ear after Team USA’s close 101-100 victory in Saturday’s exhibition matchup in London versus South Sudan is still the talk of the town.
Not many expected the Americans to have as much trouble dealing with South Sudan, who came just a LeBron James missed layup away from pulling off an insane upset. If anything, South Sudan sent a strong message to the rest of the field in Paris that they are a force to reckon with and can’t be taken lightly.
As for the Blue Devils, they must be thrilled to see 17-year-old and Duke enrollee Khaman Maluach making an impact in the contest against a bunch of NBA All-Stars and future Hall of Famers.
During one highlight in the first quarter, Maluach put South Sudan ahead with a strong two-handed finish at the rim. Perhaps even more impressive was how quickly he darted downcourt despite being 7-1.
Not many 17 year-olds are spending their summer doing this 🫡👀@khaman_maluach pic.twitter.com/WSs9GwoXpO
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) July 20, 2024
Maluach finished the Team USA game with seven points on 3/4 shooting from the floor, three rebounds (1 offensive) and a block.
He is expected to suit up for Duke in the 2024-25 college basketball season.
Fans, social media react to Khaman Maluach’s performance in close South Sudan loss to Team USA
“Khaman Maluach – remember his name. 17 year old who has committed to Duke University amassed 7 points, 3 rebounds & 1 block in 12 minutes of playing time for South Sudan 🇸🇸 vs USA. Raised in Kampala from the age of 2 and now heading to the Olympics.”
Khaman Maluach – remember his name.
17 year old who has committed to Duke University amassed 7 points, 3 rebounds & 1 block in 12 minutes of playing time for South Sudan 🇸🇸 vs USA.
Raised in Kampala from the age of 2 and now heading to the Olympics.
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) July 20, 2024
“First @CooperFlagg & now @khaman_maluach for @DukeMBB ? Yikes. This young man from @SSBFed still has a long way to go, but he is 17 years old. In small doses today vs. @NBA stars, he was pretty impressive. 🇸🇸🏀👍🏻”
First @CooperFlagg & now @khaman_maluach for @DukeMBB? Yikes. This young man from @SSBFed still has a long way to go, but he is 17 years old. In small doses today vs. @NBA stars, he was pretty impressive. 🇸🇸🏀👍🏻@coach_paint pic.twitter.com/m3kgjTMMtz
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) July 21, 2024
“This 17 year old Duke Freshman is going to be special Khaman Maluach. Remember the name”
This 17 year old Duke Freshman is going to be special
Khaman Maluach. Remember the name
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) July 21, 2024
“Picturing Khaman Maluach doing this in a @DukeMBB uni 🤌🏼😈”
Picturing Khaman Maluach doing this in a @DukeMBB uni 🤌🏼😈 pic.twitter.com/pGUrvPyAbR
— Rick Heidrick (@rheidrick24) July 20, 2024
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