Every year, Duke basketball unveils a new star — a player who steps out of the shadows and forces the college basketball world to take notice. This season, that player might just be sophomore Patrick Ngongba II, a 6’11” powerhouse who’s finally healthy, confident, and ready to explode for the Blue Devils.
While much of the preseason buzz in Durham has centered around five-star freshman Cameron Boozer and sharpshooting sophomore Isaiah Evans, there’s a different energy surrounding Ngongba. It’s quiet. It’s powerful. And it’s starting to build momentum — because those inside the program know that the big man could be the key to Duke’s championship dreams in 2025-26.
After battling through foot injuries for most of his senior year at Paul VI Catholic (VA) and a good portion of his freshman campaign at Duke, Ngongba was forced to watch others shine while he worked to get his body right. He was limited, unable to fully showcase his athleticism or skill set. But that’s all changing now — and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
Ngongba’s journey is the classic Duke redemption story — one built on patience, resilience, and an unrelenting desire to prove himself. As a freshman, he played in 30 games, averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per outing. The flashes were there: his length, defensive instincts, and rim protection screamed potential. But injuries and depth kept him from consistent minutes.
Now, he’s not just healthy — he’s hungry.
At Countdown to Craziness, Duke’s annual preseason showcase, Ngongba turned heads. His footwork was sharper, his conditioning was miles ahead of last season, and his offensive game looked far more polished. The once-limited rim protector suddenly looked like a complete big — fluid in the post, confident facing up, and dominant around the rim.
You could see it in the way he moved — lighter on his feet, more explosive in transition, and assertive in calling for the ball. The Duke coaching staff noticed, too. Jon Scheyer, entering another crucial season at the helm, has made it clear that Ngongba is expected to anchor the frontcourt. And with his improved agility and new confidence, that’s exactly what he’s poised to do.
In a Duke roster loaded with elite scorers and flashy freshmen, Ngongba might not be the loudest name, but he could be the most impactful. His ability to protect the paint while contributing offensively gives Duke a balance that few teams in the country can match. With guards like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster feeding him the ball, and wings like Evans and Boozer stretching defenses, Ngongba could quietly turn into one of the ACC’s most efficient big men.
And the timing couldn’t be better.
Last season, Duke was often criticized for lacking physicality in the paint. Now, with Ngongba embracing his role as a dominant big, that narrative could flip entirely. His defensive presence alone can change games — but what’s truly exciting is the potential for him to become a double-double machine once he gets consistent minutes.
What sets Ngongba apart isn’t just his improved game — it’s his mentality. He’s no longer the freshman trying to find his place; he’s the enforcer ready to make teams pay for overlooking him. He’s worked on his conditioning, refined his post moves, and even added range to his jumper. His transformation isn’t just physical — it’s mental. He’s becoming the kind of player Duke has always thrived with: tough, intelligent, and relentless.
The Blue Devils’ frontcourt is suddenly looking fierce. Between Ngongba’s growth, Boozer’s superstar potential, and Khaman Maluach’s towering presence, Duke’s size and skill combination could overwhelm opponents all season long. It’s a luxury Jon Scheyer will gladly take — and one that could make the difference in Duke’s push for another Final Four run.
It’s not every year that a player who averaged under 4 points becomes the talk of the offseason. But then again, not every player is Patrick Ngongba II.
He’s got the tools. He’s got the hunger. And now, finally, he’s got the opportunity.
So while the spotlight may still shine on Boozer, Evans, and Foster, don’t be surprised when Ngongba becomes the heartbeat of Duke basketball this season — the enforcer in the paint who powers the Blue Devils’ rise back to college basketball’s mountaintop.
Because this time, the beast in Durham is fully awake — and he’s ready to dominate.
