The Duke Blue Devils just got a wave of optimism that fans everywhere needed to hear. Head coach Jon Scheyer provided a crucial injury update on sophomore center Patrick Ngongba, and it could be a game-changer for the Blue Devils’ 2025–26 campaign.
Duke enters this season with the weight of expectation heavy on their shoulders. After falling short in the 2025 Final Four against the Houston Cougars, Jon Scheyer’s squad has no intention of slowing down. Yes, the Blue Devils lost superstar Cooper Flagg and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel to the NBA, but Scheyer reloaded in a big way by bringing in the headline-making Boozer twins, Cayden and Cameron.
But while the new additions have electrified fans, a lingering concern has hovered over the program: the health of Patrick Ngongba. The 6’11 big man has been spotted in a walking boot on his left foot, raising questions about how ready he will be for the grind of the new season.
Scheyer’s Words Calm the Storm
Fortunately, Scheyer himself addressed the situation — and his update was exactly what Blue Devil Nation wanted to hear.
“He’s had foot injuries in his high school career and we’re still getting him back to 100% health,” Scheyer told Duke Wire. “It’s not about anything that he’s done. It’s just about getting him to his full 100% productivity on the court, where he can move completely pain-free, and also where he can get back to being the level of player he can be. He’s gonna be a terrific player for us.”
Those words were pure reassurance. Scheyer made it clear this isn’t a devastating setback — it’s simply part of the process of getting Ngongba to the level Duke knows he can reach.
Why Ngongba’s Return Matters
Ngongba’s freshman numbers — 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game — don’t tell the full story. He was a spark in the frontcourt, showing flashes of being a tough rebounder, rim protector, and interior presence. In a season where minutes were hard to come by, he proved he could hang with the nation’s best.
Now, with more opportunity coming his way, Ngongba’s role could expand dramatically. Imagine the Boozer twins attacking the paint with Ngongba holding down the middle. Imagine a healthier, more confident Ngongba providing rim protection in March. That’s the vision Duke fans can dream about — and Scheyer’s update suggests it’s closer to reality than many feared.
The Road Ahead
For now, the plan is patience. Scheyer and the Duke medical staff are taking no risks, ensuring that when Ngongba returns, he’s not just available — he’s dominant. With the Blue Devils chasing redemption and hungrier than ever to cut down the nets, every piece matters.
Duke Nation, take a breath. Your sophomore center isn’t just healing — he’s preparing for a breakout. And if Patrick Ngongba reaches the level Scheyer believes he can, the Blue Devils may be looking at the missing piece they need to turn heartbreak into triumph this season.
