As the Duke Blue Devils complete their 12th game of the season, one thing has become increasingly clear: Khaman Maluach must be integrated into the offense by any means necessary. The 7-foot-2 freshman is steadily proving his value on offense, evolving into a dominant force. His vertical spacing and post play could be the key to unlocking Duke’s full potential in their quest for a sixth championship.
A Towering Presence
Maluach’s physical attributes make him one of the most unique players in college basketball. Standing at 7-foot-2 with remarkable agility and a high basketball IQ, he presents mismatches that few opponents can counter. His size and wingspan alone create havoc on defense, as he consistently alters shots and secures rebounds.
Defensively, Maluach has emerged as the cornerstone of Duke’s interior defense. His elite shot-blocking ability and instinctive rim protection not only deny opponents but also deter them from attacking the paint altogether, forcing teams to rethink their offensive strategies.
Offensive Growth
While his defense has been consistently strong, Maluach's offensive game is flourishing under Jon Scheyer's system. Initially regarded as a role player who could contribute in short bursts, Maluach is now emerging as a reliable scoring option. His ability to finish around the rim, coupled with improved footwork and touch, has made him a significant threat in the post.
Jon Scheyer has been deliberate in expanding Maluach’s role within Duke’s offensive sets, showcasing his potential as a dynamic contributor. Over the last three games, Maluach has averaged an impressive 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and an outstanding 80% shooting from the field. Scheyer has integrated him into pick-and-roll scenarios—not merely as a screener but as an active scoring threat. This adjustment has added new layers to Duke’s offensive versatility. The two clips below highlight just how lethal Duke's 3-5 pick-and-roll combination with Kon-Khaman can be.
Known for setting solid screens and rolling hard to the basket, Maluach now has added motivation with playmakers like Kon Knueppel actively seeking him out for lobs or quick dump-offs. His ability to set strong screens and execute efficient rolls not only generates scoring opportunities for himself but also creates openings for Duke’s guards, elevating the team's offensive attack.
Game-Changing Potential
While I’m not suggesting that Duke should center its entire offense around Maluach, he undoubtedly deserves his fair share of touches. By feeding him the ball more consistently in the post and capitalizing on his height advantage, Duke can establish dominance in the paint. Moreover, his interior presence will create countless opportunities on the perimeter, giving Duke’s sharpshooters even more space to thrive.
The next phase of Maluach's development involves honing his back-to-the-basket game, providing Duke with a dependable interior option when the offense stagnates. With his ability to pass effectively out of the post and navigate double teams, he could unlock a new dimension for Duke's offense. Paired with the versatility of this roster, the possibilities are limitless.
The Road Ahead
With conference play heating up and March Madness on the horizon, the Blue Devils will need every advantage they can muster. Fully unleashing Khaman Maluach might be the key to achieving their championship aspirations.
As Maluach's confidence soars and his role within the offense expands, the question isn’t whether he’ll make an impact—but rather how monumental that impact will be. Duke fans have the privilege of witnessing his evolution as he strives to elevate the team to new heights and solidify his place as one of college basketball’s most dominant centers.
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