By ADAM ZAGORIA
Blair Academy (N.J.) coach Joe Mantegna has coached future NBA pros like Luol Deng, Royal Ivey and Charlie Villanueva, but he’s never seen a prospect like 7-foot-2 Khaman Maluach.
“He has a chance to be the next Joel Embiid,” Mantegna, who has coached Maluach with the South Sudan national team and will serve as an assistant coach with South Sudan in next summer’s Paris Olympics, told ZAGSBLOG.
Maluach, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, currently plays for NBA Academy Africa and is competing in the G League Winter Showcase in Orlando, Fla. He is reportedly being recruited by Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, UCLA and Baylor, per ESPN.com. Kentucky assistant Chuck Martin recently watched him play at IMG Academy in Florida.
Maluach just reclassified and will finish high school next summer, making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft, per ESPN.
“I think I am ready to play at that level,” Maluach told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “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.”
He is also hearing from the NBA G League and the Australian NBL.
“He’s 7-foot-2, he’s a fluid athlete, he plays with an unbelievable edge and he has a really high skill level and IQ,” Mantegna said.
“I mean, he’s been playing at the highest level for a long time, he understands the game deeply and he has a remarkable competitive edge. “If he goes to college, he’s going to be a game-changer day one upon arrival.” Photo: ESPN Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookThe first of two catch & shoot three’s for Khaman Maluach. Like the other one he is able to grab a pass wide of his shooting pocket & still stay in rhythm. Balanced, holds follow through again. 22 points, 13 rebounds. @KentuckyRivals pic.twitter.com/6XOlfZopT8
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) December 20, 2023
