Biggest Key for Patrick Ngongba's Success With Duke

Despite the killer offseason Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff had, arguably the biggest news was getting sophomore center Patrick Ngongba back for another year.

Ngongba and Isaiah Evans had very interesting decisions to make following their sophomore campaigns, as both were projected late-first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. At their current draft projection, there was a good chance both could make more money in college basketball next year than on an NBA rookie salary as late first-rounders.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; IDuke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) shoots the ball against the St. John's Red Storm in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

In the end, Ngongba remained in Durham and Evans elected to make the jump to the NBA.

The 6'11" big man will enter his junior year at Duke with major expectations as a focal point for the Blue Devils on both sides of the ball.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots past Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Patrick Ngongba Could Put Together All-ACC Caliber Season

Ngongba was the Blue Devils' biggest breakout candidate this past season. He went from 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game as a rookie to averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks a night on 60.6% shooting from the field.

The Virginia native improved drastically with his footwork, his use of his body down low, and his finishing through contact. He was a menace in the pick-and-roll and even established at least a willingness to shoot the three, attempting 31 as a sophomore after attempting one as a freshman.

Duke big man Pat Ngongba will return to the Blue Devils next season, he announced. https://t.co/H3fITJEuWe pic.twitter.com/DRboX01KMk
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 20, 2026

Ngongba was also one of the most underrated impact defenders in college hoops last season. According to EvanMiya.com, Ngongba ranked ninth nationally in Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating, which measures a player's defensive impact for his team when on the floor.

The rising junior could turn into one of the more dominant bigs in the ACC, but there's one major factor that could decide it all.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Ngongba Must Stay Healthy

Ngongba has been healthy for the most part during his two years in Durham, but missed time has weighed on his career, mainly due to foot injuries.

This past season, Ngongba missed six games at the end of the year due to a foot injury. As a rookie, he missed nine games, totaling 15 missed contests due to injury.

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) warms up before the game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke boasts enough depth in the frontcourt next season to be able to stay afloat if Ngongba has to miss time, but he has to stay healthy if he wants to truly turn into one of the better bigs in college basketball.

The big man has all the tools to truly break out onto the national scene in 2026-27, but staying healthy has been a concern, and he has to consistently be available for next season's Duke squad to reach its ceiling.

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