Cooper Flagg warns opponents about Duke teammate Khaman Maluach's "shot-blocking" ability

Cooper Flagg posted nine points, four rebounds and three assists against Arizona State in an exhibition game on Sunday, but it was his frontcourt partner, Khaman Maluach, who led the Blue Devils' efforts. The NBA Academy product posted eight points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and one steal to guide Duke to a 103-47 win.

Cooper Flagg was asked about Maluach's presence and the top recruit in the nation spoke highly of the 7-foot-2 big man.

"Yeah, I mean for sure, I think especially Khaman's presence in the paint is huge," Flagg said in the post-game conference. "It would be kind of stupid of anybody to not think twice before trying to drive one-on-one, to anybody, with him in the paint." (1:30)

"So, I think his presence is something that every team will have to feel and he'll just bring that shot-blocking presence all throughout the year."

While Duke thrived offensively, it was its defense that created the gap. Khaman Maluach's constant presence near the basket was a major factor, as signified by Arizona State's meager 14 points in the paint and two second-chance points.

As a team, Duke outrebounded ASU 47-31 (11-6 offensive), forced 18 turnovers and capitalized on them for 26 points.

Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach have a lot in common

Apart from having a great basketball upside, Maluach and Flagg have a lot of similarities in their journey to Durham. While their games are different, they are considered among the best players within their roles.

Both were listed as five-star recruits in the 2024 talent pool by multiple media outlets.

Additionally, just like Cooper Flagg, Khamann Maluach also has experience playing against the 2024 Team USA roster. Maluach was on the South Sudan roster that gave the USA a run for its money in an exhibition game on July 20 in London. He dropped seven points, three rebounds, and one block in 12 minutes while shooting 3-4 from the field.

Maluach also stepped on the court in the Olympics matchup on July 31 but was limited to two minutes.

Flagg, meanwhile, was invited to join the Select Team earlier this summer.