Khaman Maluach raves about Kentucky's rich history, draft picks following official visit

Khaman Maluach is the top uncommitted recruit in the latest 2024 On3 150, sitting at No. 9 overall and No. 2 among centers. He measures in at 7-1, 250 pounds with a 7-5 wingspan, widely considered one of the best shot-blocking talents nationally with emerging as a versatile offensive threat capable of stepping out to the perimeter and making shots.

And Kentucky’s got a shot to land his commitment, the five-star big man narrowing his options to five, Duke, Kansas, UCLA and the G-League Ignite joining the Wildcats among finalists.

He took official visits to Duke and Kansas before his most recent trip to Lexington last week. From here, he’ll check out the Ignite program and UCLA before making a final decision.

What did he think of his time at Kentucky? Well, he shared pictures from his photoshoot at Rupp Arena where he looks born to wear blue and white as a Wildcat.

IG: khaman__maluach, photos via UK Athletics

His biggest takeaway? NBA culture, Maluach appreciating the school’s ability to develop professional talent and help them reach their dreams. The 7-1 big says John Calipari sees him as a plug-and-play defensive talent who could be next in line.

“(Calipari) likes the way I talk on defense and how I impact the game defensively. I know a lot about the program,” Maluach told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “They have seven all-stars and they have a lot of first-round draft picks. They have like 38 of them. I know so many players have been there, great players like Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony Towns, Malik Monk, and so many other players. Kentucky is a big program, so many players are from there.”

The other three schools on his list along with the G League have their own pitches and intrigues, as he told On3. But what will be the final deciding factor when choosing between those five options?

“I can fit in with any playstyle with how I play, at any of the schools I choose. I don’t have a time frame for when I’m going to make my decision yet,” Maluach said. “So, I don’t know right now what I’m going to do. It is a big decision that is in front of me, a lifetime decision.

“I’m going to talk with my family and my coaches, my circle to make sure that we look at everything and make the right decision.”

Coach Cal certainly hopes the right decision is found in Lexington as a Cat.