Duke Basketball HC Jon Scheyer: Ngongba’s Health ‘Everything for Us’

Patrick Ngongba II has dealt with foot issues dating back to his days as a heralded prep at Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.). And he sat out over a handful of games in each of his first two Duke basketball campaigns. But judging by the spring in the 6-foot-11, 250-pound big man’s step in preseason play and Jon Scheyer’s comments about him at last week’s ACC Tipoff in Charlotte, there’s no reason for significant concern entering his junior season in Durham.

“It’s everything for us,” Scheyer noted about Ngongba’s contributions as a fully healthy participant. “I think it’s easy to overlook his importance to our team. Even last year, I think you can see the difference statistically with or without him.

“He’s been the core of what we’ve been the last couple of years, even two years ago when the team was different with him on the floor. I just love seeing him healthy. I think he’s added a layer of aggressiveness that’s been great to see.”

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Scheyer pointed to Ngongba’s potential game-changing abilities on the defensive end. Across 32 outings (28 as a starter) last season for a Duke basketball squad that finished 35-3, captured the ACC Tournament crown, and reached the Elite Eight, the 20-year-old from Manassas, Va., was the only Blue Devil to average over one block per game; in fact, he averaged almost two per 40 minutes. Plus, he averaged the second-most rebounds on the team at 5.8 per contest.

Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) dribbles during a practice session ahead 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

As for Ngongba’s offense, Scheyer said he anticipates him adding “a lot in terms of shooting, driving, and aggressiveness in the post.”

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Publish date : 2026-10-16 23:01:00

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