Which Duke basketball player could be an X-factor as ACC competition begins?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cameron Boozer leads Duke with 23.2 PPG and 10 RPG as the Blue Devils regroup.
- Patrick Ngongba projects as a pivotal starter, averaging 11.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.5 BLK.
- Duke enters ACC play 11-1 after a narrow loss to Texas Tech and needs late execution.
Duke center Patrick Ngongba II hopped up and down at the top of the key as Cameron Boozer’s 3-point try arced toward the basket, ready to celebrate another last-minute Blue Devils win, at a building in which they’re accustomed to winning.
Boozer’s shot fell short. Instead of Ngongba and Duke hopping up and down to the beat of another tight win, Texas Tech — and its small but vocal legion of fans at Madison Square Garden — did most of the hopping after holding on for an 82-81 win in New York City.
That was Duke’s last game before an extended holiday break. The Blue Devils, now No. 6 in the AP poll, have had time to fully digest that loss on Dec. 20, take some time off, and recalibrate for their first ACC game, Wednesday at home against Georgia Tech in a New Year’s Eve matchup.
In going 11-1 in the first segment of the season, Duke learned a few things, mostly good, about the team makeup.
‘Still learning the game’
Boozer, called a “generational freshman” by Texas coach Sean Miller, will be a double-double threat in most ACC games, regardless of how teams defend him. The 6-foot-9 forward has averaged 23.2 points and 10 rebounds a game, and there could be a game or two where he hits double digits in assists.
Guard Caleb Foster will run the team at the point, has hit some clutch shots this season, and plays with toughness and an edge to his game. Maliq Brown will draw the toughest defensive assignments. Isaiah Evans, who was ill but played against Texas Tech, is streaky good on 3s. So, too, is Darren Harris off the bench.
Dame Sarr offers versatility on both ends of the court, although he has been inconsistent. Freshman Nikolas Khamenia is another versatile newcomer who hustles end to end and may lead the team in floor burns. Cayden Boozer, a crafty and confident guard, will get more minutes on the floor with his twin brother as the ACC season unfolds.
But Ngongba has all the makings of a pivotal player who can affect the course of Duke’s season as the Blue Devils seek to repeat their ACC regular-season and tournament championship finishes from last season.
“He could be a big key to the team,” Foster said. “I think he’s quicker, more effective, and still learning the game.”
‘He’s so efficient’
The 6-11 sophomore sees his role on the team in simple terms: “Protect the rim, rebound, make plays, do whatever is needed,” Ngongba recently said.
Playing behind 7-1 center Khaman Maluach as a freshman last season, Ngongba averaged 10.5 minutes a game, with 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds. With Maluach off to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, Ngongba has been a starter in the middle the first 12 games and gotten a longer look.
Ngongba said he lost 15 pounds preparing for this season and noticed the effects.
Does it make him feel lighter on his feet? “Yeah, it does. Helps a lot,” he said.
Better stamina? “I’m definitely able to go out there and play longer.”
Ngongba has played as many as 34 minutes in a game (Florida), notching career highs in points (17 against Niagara) and rebounds (11 against Lipscomb). He has averaged 23.9 minutes and 11.1 points per game, with 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocked shots.
“Cam draws so much attention that I’m able to get dunks and layups,” Ngongba said of his offensive production.
A constant threat on the lob-dunk, Ngongba has a nice touch on his jump hook and made his first career 3-pointer in the Niagara game on Nov. 21.
“We thought they were in zone and had called an action, and he actually called the action and it was for him to shoot,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said, smiling. “We need to get him more touches. He’s so efficient.”
Ngongba has added three more 3s, knocking down a pair in the 67-66 win over Florida in the ACC/SEC Challenge game in Durham on Dec. 2. Like the lob-dunk, the threat is there.
On to ACC play
Ngongba was not much of a factor in the Texas Tech game. He had four points, four rebounds and four assists in his 21 minutes, and was involved in one of the more pivotal — if not the most pivotal — plays in the game.
With 7:46 left in the first half, Texas Tech star forward JT Toppin was called for his third personal foul after a collision with Ngongba that had both players tumbling to the floor. But after an official review, it was Ngongba who was called for a flagrant-1 foul for flopping while the Toppin foul was rescinded.
The Raiders received two free throws and the ball. Toppin did not foul out of the game and had 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win. After close wins over Arkansas, Florida and Michigan State, the Blue Devils could not hold a 17-point second-half lead or make the winning plays at the end.
“We’ve played a heck of a schedule. Our guys have battled like crazy,” Scheyer said after the game. “Overall, I’m proud of our team for what we’ve done through 12 games.”
Ngongba and the Blue Devils should be tested by Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo in the ACC opener. The 6-9 junior from Senegal had 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks as the Yellow Jackets (9-4) earned an 89-65 win over Florida A&M in their ACC warmup.
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 12:36 PM.
