Duke’s Khaman Maluach reacts to death of Sudan basketball legendary coach William Deng Holnyang

Khaman Maluach is grieving the loss of a Sudanese basketball legend. The Duke center posted about the death of William Deng Holnyang on his Instagram story Tuesday.

Maluach, a South Sudan native, shared South Sudan basketball's post announcing Holnyang's death and shared his reaction.

"🙏🏾," Maluach wrote.

Khaman Maluach reacts to news of William Deng Holnyang’s death (IG/Khaman Maluach)

Before his historic coaching career, Holnyang was a national volleyball and basketball player for Sudan and represented the nation in international championships across four continents.

He coached a number of top clubs and developed young talent at Juba One Academy and Nimra Talata. Holnyang also guided women's teams like Dove Queens and Nile Legends.

South Sudan basketball commemorated Holnyang's life and legacy in the Instagram post that Maluach shared on his Instagram story.

"We will miss you, Coach. Your legacy lives on. May your soul rest in peace🏀🖤," part of the Instagram caption read.

Khaman Maluach declares for NBA draft

After an impressive freshman campaign at Duke, Khaman Maluach is taking his talents to the next level. The Blue Devils announced in April that the 7-foot-2 transfer would be declaring for the 2025 NBA draft, making him a one-and-done.

"NBA next. Duke forever. Thank you @khaman_maluach!! 💙💙👿," Duke men's basketball wrote on X.

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Maluach came to Duke as the No. 4 player in his class and the top-ranked center, according to 247Sports. The freshman started in all 39 games for the Blue Devils this season and was a difference maker in the squad that won the ACC regular-season and tournament titles and made a March Madness run to the Final Four.

In his sole season at Duke, Maluach contributed team second-bests in rebounds (6.6) and steals (1.3). He averaged 8.6 points per game and shot 71.2%.

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Houston at Duke - Source: Imagn

Maluach's size and defensive depth serve as his strengths ahead of the NBA draft, and his skill set should translate well to the next level.

The freshman phenom is projected to be a lottery pick in the draft on June 25, and mock drafts have pointed to his NBA potential. The star center is coming off an admirable freshman season with the Blue Devils and will look to hone his skill set further at the professional level.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter