“He has a chance to be the next Joel Embiid” - Coach Joe Mantegna once drew comparisons between Duke commit Khaman Maluach and NBA star

Blair Academy basketball head coach Joe Mantegna was impressed by 17-year-old Khaman Maluach while serving as an assistant coach for the South Sudan national basketball team.

Mantegna, who has coached NBA stars such as Royal Ivey, Charlie Villanueva and Luol Deng, says that he has never encountered a prospect quite like Khaman Maluach.

"He has a chance to be the next Joel Embiid," Mantehna, who also holds the head coaching role at the US NIKE Hoop Summit, told ZAGSBLOG.

Maluach and Embiid, a seven-time NBA All-Star, do share some striking similarities. They are both exceptionally tall and possess remarkable wingspans. Maluach is 7-foot-2 and Embiid is 7 feet tall.

Moreover, the two centers have a versatile offensive game, which allows them to score from different positions.

Maluach currently plays for Uganda's City Oilers in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and is participating through the NBA Academy Africa's development program. He was drafted by the Oilers in March 2024. Additionally, he is a member of the South Sudan national team.

Previously Maluach played for Senegalese club AS Douanes, whom he led to the 2023 BAL Final. He was also part of the South Sudanese team, Cobra Sport.

Duke HC Jon Scheyer is excited to coach Khaman Maluach

The five-star center Khaman Maluach announced his commitment to the Blue Devils in March 2024. He picked Duke over Kansas, Kentucky, Baylor and UCLA.

"I am really excited to welcome Khaman Maluach to Duke," Duke HC Jon Scheyer said. "Joining us from South Sudan and NBA Academy Africa, Khaman brings an incredible perspective and unique talents to our program. At 7'2", Khaman can score inside and out, handle the ball, and protect the rim at a high level."

According to ESPN, Maluach underwent a reclassification in 2023, completing his high school education, thereby making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft.

"I think I am ready to play at that level," Maluach told ESPN. "I've played against some of the top guys in 2024 and 2025, and against pros in the FIBA World Cup. Playing against guys who are stronger and more experienced helped me realize where I stand and what I need to work on."

Khaman Maluach won the 2024 BAL rebounding leader while playing for the City Oilers, averaging 13.5 rebounds per game.

Maluach scored 16 points, 19 rebounds and 7 blocks against Al-Ahly Ly in April. This game marked a milestone for Maluach as he achieved a new career-high in rebounds with 19 and set a new league record with 7 blocks, the most by any player in a BAL game.