Duke center Patrick Ngongba makes a decision about his future with Blue Devils
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Patrick Ngongba II has decided to return to Duke for another season in 2026.
- Ngongba averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game last season.
- His return is expected to aid freshman Cameron Williams’s transition to college play.
Duke center Patrick Ngongba II has decided to stay with the Blue Devils another season.
Ngongba’s return was announced Monday by the basketball program, which posted a photo on social media of Ngongba that said ‘back.”
Ngongba was said to be considering a move to pro basketball, but the 6-11 sophomore has decided on another year of development before making that move.
Ngongba, playing with Cameron Boozer, had a consistently good season for the Blue Devils, averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game. He was slowed by foul problems at times but was a space-eater and presence in the paint when he was in the game – he averaged 22 minutes of playing time last season.
Ngongba, who is listed at 250 pounds, has been hampered by foot problems and missed the 2026 ACC Tournament as the Blue Devils won. He also was held out of Duke’s NCAA Tournament opener against Siena before returning for the TCU game, when he played 13 minutes in the Blue Devils’ comeback win against the No. 16 seed.
Ngongba was in for 17 minutes in the Devils’ Sweet 16 win over St. John’s, and 22 minutes in the loss to Connecticut in the regional final.
Ngongba’s return should help incoming freshman Cameron Williams more easily transition to the college game. The 6-11 forward from Phoenix, a 5-star recruit, could take over the power forward position filled last season by Boozer, who is expected to enter the NBA draft.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:51 AM.
