What Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown brings to Duke basketball

Duke basketball received a commitment from Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown on Saturday, Brown announced in a social media post.

A Culpeper, Virginia native, Brown played two seasons for the Orange before entering the transfer portal and committing to play for the Blue Devils in the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-8, 222-pound forward averaged 9.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He shot 69.8% from the floor, including 36.8% from 3-point range on limited attempts. 

Following the departure of nine players, including seven via the transfer portal, head coach Jon Scheyer had five scholarships available to surround top returners Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, along with a top-ranked recruiting class headlined by Cooper Flagg. 

Brown finished the 2023-24 season with three straight double-double performances, including 11 points and 12 rebounds against NC State at the ACC Tournament. Brown reached double-digit points in 17 of 31 games. 

He was one of the most efficient offensive players in the country, finishing third overall in effective field-goal percentage (71.3%) and sixth in two-point percentage at 72.8%, according to KenPom.com. 

Duke saw that efficiency on display in the Blue Devils’ 86-66 win against Syracuse last season. Brown had a season-high 26 points, making 11 of 16 shots, and seven rebounds at Cameron Indoor Stadium. 

In addition to his offensive efficiency, Brown was named an All-ACC defender last season.

What Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer said about Maliq Brown

On April 25, the Blue Devils officially announced the signing of Brown. Purdue transfer Mason Gillis, another Duke commit, is also set to join Jon Scheyer's squad.

Here's what Scheyer had to say about Brown's arrival in Durham.

"We are thrilled to add Maliq Brown to our program. Maliq is a skilled, tough and versatile forward who brings a competitive mentality to every game and practice," Scheyer said in a school-issued statement.

"He was one of the most efficient offensive players in the country last year at Syracuse, and also one of the best defenders in the ACC while leading the league in steals. Maliq takes pride in doing all the little things that impact winning.  A rising junior and All-ACC defender, Maliq brings a team-first mentality and winning instincts that will elevate our group."

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached atrbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.