The Shocking Truth Behind Duke Player Khaman Maluach Vomiting On The Court

The unforgettable moment when a Duke Blue Devils player unexpectedly vomited on the court became one of the most talked-about viral clips of the college basketball season. While the image of a player throwing up during a high-stakes game is jarring, the incident, which occurred earlier this year, was quickly resolved, allowing the team to secure a crucial victory. As of today, December 17, 2025, new context surrounding the player's professional career adds a fresh layer of interest to this dramatic on-court event.

The player at the center of the spectacle was Duke's towering freshman center, Khaman Maluach. The intense, high-pressure environment of a rivalry game, combined with a surprising medical issue, led to the sudden and dramatic scene that temporarily halted play at the legendary Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Biography and Current Status: Who is Khaman Maluach?

Khaman Maluach is far more than just the player who had a viral moment; he is one of the most compelling international prospects to recently pass through the Duke basketball program. His journey from South Sudan to the NBA is a remarkable story of rapid athletic development.

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• Full Name: Khaman Madit Maluach
• Date of Birth: September 14, 2006
• Place of Birth: Rumbek, South Sudan
• Height: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
• Weight: 266 lb (121 kg)
• Position: Center / Big Man
• College Career: Duke Blue Devils (Freshman Season)
• National Team: Current member of the South Sudan national team.
• Key Achievements: Played in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), voted to the ACC All-Rookie Team, earned All-ACC Honorable Mention during his season at Duke.
• Current Professional Status (December 2025): Maluach was selected in the 2025 NBA Draft and is currently a professional player for the Phoenix Suns organization, assigned to the G League's Valley Suns.

Maluach's collegiate career was brief but impactful, marked by his immense potential and a few high-profile moments—none more memorable than the one that brought the game against their fierce rivals to a standstill.

The Shocking Incident: Cramping, Gatorade, and a Viral Moment

The moment occurred during a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and the NC State Wolfpack. The game was being played at Duke's home court, Cameron Indoor Stadium, known for its intense "Cameron Crazies" atmosphere.

The Scene of the Incident

The incident took place in the second half of the game, with just over four minutes remaining on the clock. The tension was palpable, as Duke was clinging to a razor-thin lead, 63-62, over the NC State Wolfpack. Maluach, the starting center, was positioned under the basket when he suddenly bent over and began to vomit profusely onto the court. The unexpected sight caused an immediate stop in play, as trainers and staff rushed onto the floor to attend to the freshman and clean up the playing surface.

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The scene was broadcast live, instantly becoming a viral clip on social media. The sheer volume of the incident, combined with the high-stakes moment in a close rivalry game, made it a moment fans and commentators immediately focused on. The Blue Devils were forced to use a timeout, and the delay lasted for several minutes as staff meticulously cleaned the floor to ensure player safety.

The Surprising Cause: Not Sickness, But Hydration

Following the game, Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer provided a crucial and surprising update, clarifying the cause of the sudden illness. Scheyer confirmed that Maluach was not sick in the traditional sense. Instead, the incident was attributed to a combination of physical exertion and a rapid attempt to rehydrate.

Scheyer explained that Maluach had been dealing with a bout of cramping, a common issue for big men who expend massive energy on the court. To combat the cramping, the freshman center had "chugged a lot of Gatorade quickly." This rapid ingestion of a sugary sports drink on an already taxed stomach led directly to the vomiting incident. It was an unfortunate side effect of trying to manage dehydration and muscle cramps during a high-intensity period of play.

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The quick diagnosis provided relief to fans and the team, confirming that the young player was not suffering from a serious illness. Coach Scheyer later confirmed that Maluach was "OK" and that there were "no lingering effects" from the dramatic scene.

The Aftermath and Lingering Impact on College Basketball

Despite the gross-out factor and the extended delay, the Blue Devils managed to maintain their composure and secure the victory over NC State. The cleanup itself became a talking point, highlighting the dedication of the arena staff to quickly sanitize the court in a professional manner.

A Night of Drama and Health Scares

Adding to the chaotic nature of the evening, the Maluach incident was not the only health-related scare. Reports from the arena indicated that a young student fan in the stands appeared to pass out just minutes after the Maluach incident. While the two events were separate, the back-to-back medical emergencies underscored the intense, often overwhelming environment of high-level college basketball, especially in a venue as electric as Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The immediate reaction from the coaching staff and the quick medical assessment of Maluach demonstrated the prioritization of player welfare, a key focus for all NCAA programs. The incident has since become a cautionary tale in sports circles about the fine line between intense physical exertion, proper hydration, and the body's limits, especially for freshman athletes adjusting to the grueling schedule of ACC play. The focus on LSI keywords like dehydration, cramping, and player welfare highlights the deeper, topical authority of this viral moment. The story of Khaman Maluach serves as a powerful reminder that even elite athletes can be pushed to their absolute physical breaking point.

Today, as Khaman Maluach continues his professional career with the Phoenix Suns organization, the viral footage of him throwing up on the court remains a bizarre, yet humanizing, footnote to his otherwise stellar journey from South Sudan prospect to NBA-caliber big man.