As Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball fans look ahead to the 2025-26 season, much of the excitement is centered around the team’s incoming freshman class. With five-star players like Cameron Boozer and the return of standout prospects such as Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, it’s easy to forget about the talented players already on the roster. One such player who should not be overlooked is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II.
While Duke fans were understandably focused on the hype surrounding the 2024 recruiting class, Ngongba’s potential was quietly brewing. After an injury-plagued freshman year, he is now fully healthy and ready to make a significant impact in his sophomore season. Here’s what fans should expect from Ngongba as he looks to build on his promising debut year.
A Fresh Start for Patrick Ngongba
Ngongba’s freshman year at Duke didn’t exactly go according to plan. After undergoing foot surgery in the offseason—a procedure that had been necessary for a long-standing issue—he spent much of the season on a restricted minute count. Despite the limitations, he managed to contribute in meaningful ways, averaging 3.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game over 10.6 minutes. While these numbers don’t truly reflect his growth, they do provide a glimpse of the potential Ngongba displayed when he was on the floor.
What’s exciting about Ngongba is the way he finished the season. By the end of the year, he was emerging as a key piece of the team’s rotation, showing significant improvement. His postseason play, in particular, should have fans buzzing with excitement about what he could accomplish with a full offseason of development.
Ngongba’s Rise to Prominence
After battling injuries early in the season, Ngongba began to see more playing time in January, stepping up when junior forward Maliq Brown was sidelined with a knee sprain. During a three-game stretch, Ngongba averaged 17.7 minutes per game and posted solid numbers: 4.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. His ability to contribute in these moments showed that he was more than just a potential role player; he was a capable force in the paint and could step up when needed.
Ngongba’s role expanded further in February, when Brown was again out with a dislocated shoulder. He took full advantage of the opportunity, earning more consistent minutes and cementing his place in Duke’s rotation. In the ACC Tournament, Ngongba put up 12 points in just 17 minutes against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the semifinals. A few days later, he blocked three shots in the title game against Louisville, helping Duke secure the victory. His contributions didn’t stop there—he also recorded three assists in a critical Elite Eight matchup against Alabama, showing his versatility and ability to make plays.
Over the final stretch of the season, from February to March, Ngongba averaged 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 block, and 0.9 assists in 13.5 minutes per game, playing in the conference tournament and early rounds of March Madness. He was playing some of the best basketball of his young career, and his minutes were steadily increasing as the postseason unfolded.
A Full Summer of Preparation
What’s even more encouraging for Duke fans is the fact that Ngongba’s breakout came without a full offseason of training. Coming off an injury and working his way back into form, he still showed flashes of greatness. Now, with a full summer of preparation ahead of him, Ngongba is poised to take his game to the next level.
In the upcoming season, he will likely see more minutes on the floor, and as he gains more confidence and conditioning, his role will only grow. With a better understanding of the college game and a more refined skill set, Ngongba could be primed for a breakout sophomore campaign.
What Should We Expect from Ngongba in 2025-26?
For the 2025-26 season, Duke fans can expect Ngongba to be a key player in the Blue Devils’ frontcourt. While his role might not be as large as some of his classmates, such as Isaiah Evans, who is expected to play a more prominent role, Ngongba will be an essential piece of the team’s success. With his combination of size, skill, and defensive ability, he could be a double-double machine in the making.
Ngongba stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 250 pounds, giving him the ideal frame to dominate both offensively and defensively in the ACC. With better health and more experience, he should be able to consistently produce around 13 points, six rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in about 25 minutes of play. His versatility as both a scorer and a defender will make him an asset on both ends of the court.
Ngongba’s Potential and Ceiling
Beyond the stats, Ngongba has a high basketball IQ and the physicality to dominate in the paint. He’s also shown flashes of being an effective passer, which could make him a more well-rounded player as he continues to develop. If he can refine his offensive game and become more consistent as a defender, it’s not out of the question that he could find himself on the All-ACC teams by the end of the season.
In terms of his ceiling, Ngongba has the potential to become one of the best centers in the conference. If everything clicks for him—his scoring, defense, and playmaking—there’s no reason he couldn’t challenge for ACC Player of the Year honors, depending on how the rest of the team performs.
Looking Ahead
As Duke enters the 2025-26 season with high expectations, much of the focus will be on the talented freshmen like Cameron Boozer and other stars in the making. However, Patrick Ngongba II could be the player who surprises everyone and takes his game to new heights. With his combination of size, skill, and the potential for a breakout season, he could become one of the top players in the ACC, and a cornerstone for Jon Scheyer’s team in the years to come.
Duke fans have a lot to be excited about with Ngongba, and if his sophomore season mirrors the growth he showed in the postseason, the Blue Devils could have a dominant force in the middle of their lineup.