The Duke University standout Maluach has officially declared for the NBA Draft. He’s become the fourth player from the program to make an early jump this year. The news follows just days after Duke’s season-ending loss to Houston, where Maluach only contributed six points and no rebounds. This decision is an important step into the next chapter of his life, having left the college game and begun the process towards the professional level.
During that freshman campaign, Maluach proved to be an impact player, posting 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game on good percentages. He was incredibly efficient, converting at wizard-like 71.2% FG and 76.6% FT. While his three-point shooting volume was low, he did convert on four triple attempts on the year.
For someone his size, Maluach is an elite rim-runner. As you can see below, he uses that great length to complete lobs and rack up simple buckets in the paint. It was defense where his unique skills shined most magnificently. Those long arms certainly helped, as with a combined 7-foot-5 wingspan and 9-foot-8 standing reach, he not only deterred shots at the heart of the defense but roamed around blocking attempts in perimeter defense in Duke’s switching scheme.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer expressed optimism about Maluach’s future, stating, “His best years are by far in front of him.” In Scheyer’s long and animated answer, it became clear just how much he, too, believes in the young player’s potential. View this post on Instagram Can’t wait to see what he’s gonna do man He’s really just budding, and having an unbelievable foundation as a player, his arsenal is only going to expand!!
At just 18 years old, Maluach will be one of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft. His rare girth, nimbleness, and agility have made him an impossible matchup. Yet, NBA teams are falling all over themselves to put him on their roster.
The new NBA draft will be a chance for Maluach to bring his game to a bigger stage. He now embarks on an exciting new phase of that career. As such, everyone from fans to GMs can’t wait to see how his game develops and what he brings to the NHL level.
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