Duke Sophomore Is Quietly Becoming One Of Team’s Steadiest

Jon Scheyer's Blue Devils have never had a shortage of talent. A loss in the Final Four last season will sting, but Duke will continue to have a talent edge over most of their schedule and expect to be in the race for another championship come March.

This season's lineup returns sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, who averaged just 6.8 points per game a year ago, but is expected to step into the starting lineup after making 41.6% of his threes in 2024.

Oct 3, 2025; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) and guard Isaiah Evans (3) celebrate during the Countdown to Craziness at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA player and Duke standout Carlos Boozer, is the big-ticket item in the frontcourt. ESPN's No. 3 player in the 2025 recruiting class figures to dominate the headlines for the Blue Devils.

His running mate in the paint, however, could have his own breakout campaign.

Patrick Ngongba II Poised for Breakout Campaign

Oct 3, 2025; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) goes for a backward dunk during the Countdown to Craziness at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Ngongba has been overlooked by many as the next Duke breakout big, thanks to a top recruiting class that features Boozer.

As a freshman, Ngongba's time in Durham began alongside now-Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach. The 6-foot-11-inch, 250-pound center also struggled with a foot injury that limited him to just 30 games.

The combination of pro talent in front of him and physical ailments kept him off the floor.

Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) drives to the basket against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Now, it's Ngongba's time to step up. Duke's five NBA Draft picks have cleared room for the sophomore to start right away. Ngongba is a fearsome rebounder and has great ball skills at the rim on both ends of the court.

What stands out about his game is his athletic finishing at the rim and passing from the paint. Scheyer's coaching staff has worked to get Ngongba healthy and slim down while adding muscle to help him master those athletic moves.

Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

With a full season in the program and an offseason under his belt, Ngongba might be the straw that stirs the drink in Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. As a freshman, he flashed his potential in the ACC Tournament against rival North Carolina, scoring 12 points while knocking down all six of his shots.

He continued to shine at Duke's annual Countdown to Craziness event, where his speed and athleticism inside created a buzz in the stadium.

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center court logo before the Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Ngongba's speed will aid the Blue Devils on defense as well. He picked up 80 rebounds and smacked 16 blocks while averaging just over 10 minutes a game last season.

A full offseason to get healthy and acclimated to life in Durham should make Ngongba more comfortable in the Duke lineup. Whether it's deflecting passes with his speed on defense or making a crafty finish at the rim on offense, the Blue Devils believe they have a force in the paint once again.

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