Duke commit Khaman Maluach named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for Olympics

Duke commit Khaman Maluach was among the players named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Duke commit Khaman Maluach was among the players named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympic Games, which begin on Friday in Paris, France.

Maluach last year became the third-youngest player to suit up in the FIBA Basketball World Cup with the team. He totaled eight points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in four games to help South Sudan claim its first Olympic berth.

The 17-year-old has been with the team in training camp since earning a place on its preliminary roster in June. He will be joined on the final roster by several notable players, including Wenyen Gabriel, Peter Jok, Carlik Jones, Marial Shayok and JT Thor.

South Sudan, whose president and assistant coach is former 15-year NBA veteran Luol Deng, finished 2-2 in its exhibition schedule, including a one-point loss to the United States on July 20. Maluach recorded seven points and three rebounds in that contest.

The 7-footer is considered a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NBA draft as an international prospect born in 2006. He is highly touted for his size and versatility as a player who can shoot and defend, with his reported 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan and 9-foot, 8-inch standing reach.

South Sudan will open the Olympics in Group C against Puerto Rico on Sunday. The team will then face the U.S. on July 31 before wrapping up the group phase against Serbia on Aug. 3.

The group has the ninth-best odds of claiming the gold medal.

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