Shaman Malauch Flips to Kentucky Wildcats with a Commitment Just Now After a Brief Visit to the University of Kentucky…
April 8, 2025 – Lexington, KY
In what can only be described as a seismic shift in college basketball, 7-foot-2 international sensation Shaman Malauch has officially flipped his commitment from Duke University to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, mere hours after completing a brief yet impactful visit to the Lexington campus. The news was confirmed this afternoon, and it has already sent ripples through the NCAA landscape, shaking up recruiting rankings, fan expectations, and team strategies across the nation.
This shocking development marks one of the most unexpected turnarounds in recent recruiting memory, coming just days after Malauch reaffirmed his intention to return to Duke for his sophomore year. But after stepping foot on the iconic Kentucky campus and meeting with Coach John Calipari and his staff, everything changed—rapidly.
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From Blue Devil to Big Blue Nation: The Sudden Shift
Shaman Malauch’s name has been buzzing through recruiting circles since his early teenage years. Born in South Sudan and raised in Uganda, Malauch was discovered by international scouts before landing at the NBA Academy Africa. His raw talent, elite physical tools, and defensive instincts made him a top-5 recruit in the 2024 class.
Initially, Malauch committed to Duke University, where he played a pivotal role as a freshman, averaging 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. He anchored the Blue Devils’ defense and was widely expected to become the centerpiece of their 2025 roster.
But whispers began to swirl when Malauch made a quiet visit to Kentucky last weekend. Few expected anything major to come from it—it was thought to be a friendly visit, a courtesy to Coach Calipari, who had heavily recruited him out of high school. However, sources now confirm that the visit left a lasting impression on the young star, who was overwhelmed by the facilities, the professional-level preparation environment, and the rich legacy of Kentucky big men in the NBA.
Today, Malauch took to his social media platform with a single post that turned the basketball world upside down:
> “After deep reflection and a powerful visit to Lexington, I’ve decided to flip my commitment. I will be continuing my journey with the University of Kentucky. Let’s make history. #BBN #Committed”
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The Visit That Changed Everything
According to sources within the Kentucky program, Malauch’s visit was short but highly effective. He toured the new state-of-the-art Joe Craft Center, sat down with Coach Calipari and NBA personnel who collaborate with the program, and spent time with former Wildcats turned NBA pros via Zoom calls.
What stood out most, however, was the family-like atmosphere and the vision presented to him. Calipari reportedly showed Malauch a detailed development plan tailored to elevate his draft stock, including specialized training regimens, individual film sessions, and exposure to NBA scouts throughout the season.
One anonymous Kentucky assistant said:
> “It wasn’t about dazzling him—it was about showing him what he could become here. The plan spoke for itself. He saw the blueprint and believed in it.”
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Impact on Kentucky’s Roster and Future
With Malauch now on board, Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster takes on a whole new level of dominance. Already stacked with high-level guards and wing talent, the Wildcats were seeking a legitimate rim protector and interior presence. Now, they have arguably the best big man in college basketball joining their frontcourt.
His arrival means instant national title contention. Not only does he provide elite rim protection and rebounding, but Malauch also brings versatility with his emerging offensive skill set—capable of hitting mid-range jumpers, running in transition, and finishing with authority in the paint.
This commitment could also signal a domino effect. With Kentucky now seen as the “it” destination again for top talent, other undecided recruits or transfer portal prospects may follow. Sources suggest that two other top-25 players are closely monitoring Malauch’s decision, and one may even announce his own commitment in the coming week.
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What This Means for Duke
Duke, on the other hand, has been blindsided. While Coach Jon Scheyer remains optimistic about the program’s direction, losing Malauch represents a significant blow. The Blue Devils were expected to build their offense and defense around the towering center, and now must recalibrate ahead of a competitive ACC season.
In a brief statement, Scheyer acknowledged the loss:
> “Shaman is a tremendous player and person. We respect his decision and wish him well. Our focus remains on building a championship team and we’ll move forward accordingly.”
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Fan Reactions and National Buzz
Wildcats fans wasted no time celebrating the commitment. Within minutes of the announcement, #ShamanToUK and #BBN were trending nationwide. Fans lined up outside Rupp Arena in Kentucky gear, while local news outlets broke into regular programming to cover the breaking news.
Analysts were equally stunned and impressed.
ESPN’s Paul Biancardi said:
> “This is one of the boldest and most high-impact flips I’ve seen in a long time. Malauch is the kind of player that can completely reshape a program’s trajectory. Kentucky just became a powerhouse—again.”
Meanwhile, fans and experts alike speculated on how Calipari managed to pull off such a stunning turnaround. Some pointed to Kentucky’s longstanding reputation of preparing players for the NBA. Others cited the personal attention and fit that Malauch experienced during his visit.
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Looking Ahead: Big Dreams and Bigger Goals
Now officially a Wildcat, Shaman Malauch begins the next chapter of his basketball journey under the lights of Lexington. The coaching staff has already outlined a roadmap for his development, and the spotlight will be brighter than ever as he takes the floor in Rupp Arena this fall.
With NBA scouts already keeping close tabs on his evolution, Malauch could be a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft—especially if he leads Kentucky to the kind of dominant season many now expect.
The bar is set high, but if today’s decision proves anything, it’s that Shaman Malauch isn’t afraid of bold moves or big stages. And now, all of Big Blue Nation awaits to see the towering center take the SEC—and the country—by storm.
Welcome to Kentucky, Shaman Malauch. The game just changed.
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