3 Interesting Observations From Duke’s Countdown to Craziness Scrimmage

The Duke basketball program held its annual Countdown to Craziness event this weekend.

It’s one of the cooler traditions in college basketball, and it can also be a great recruiting pitch. 5-star 2027 forward Asa Montgomery took his official visit to Duke for Countdown to Craziness and picked up a crystal ball prediction to land with the Blue Devils the next day.

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We probably shouldn’t take too much away from the intrasquad scrimmage at Countdown to Craziness, and there will probably be much more to take away from the Blue Devils’ first preseason scrimmage against Belmont on Thursday, but here are a few interesting observations.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) loses the ball as he 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

Patrick Ngongba’s Frame

Junior center Patrick Ngongba looks leaner and much more mobile, and his role could expand significantly beyond what it has been through his first two years in Durham.

According to Duke’s roster, Ngongba is listed at 6’11” and 250 pounds, the same measurements as last year, but his frame definitely seems to have changed.

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) runs down court against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The junior spent some time with the ball in his hands on the perimeter, and he may end up being a much more active passer than originally expected. He upped his assist-per-game average to 2.0 last season, but he might be much more involved in the passing game as a junior.

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I’m curious to see just how much Ngongba’s box-score…

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Publish date : 2026-10-06 10:11:00

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