Predicting Patrick Ngongba’s Ceiling, Floor With Duke Next Season

Patrick Ngongba’s decision to return to Duke for his junior season was arguably the most pivotal move for the Blue Devils of the entire offseason.

Ngongba was the team’s biggest breakout player last season. The 6’11” big man averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 10.6 minutes as a rookie in a reserve role behind Khaman Maluach. As a full-time starter as a sophomore, his numbers jumped to 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks a night on 60.6% shooting from the field.

Advertisement

He played his way into a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but still chose to return to school. With huge expectations on the junior this season, let’s predict the ceiling and floor for Ngongba.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes to the basket against Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ceiling: First Team All-ACC, Defensive Player of the Year Candidate

If Ngongba can match his consistency from last season while taking a little bit more of a jump forward, there’s no reason he can’t be a First Team All-ACC nominee and a contender for the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.

As a sophomore, the Virginia native established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the ACC with the ability to switch onto the perimeter if needed. He uses his body and moves his feet well, with good instincts as a shot-blocker.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to EvanMiya.com, Ngongba ranked ninth in the nation in Defensive Bayesian…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/predicting-patrick-ngongbas-ceiling-floor-110006082.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-07-14 11:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.