The Duke Blue Devils saw their 2025-26 season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of the UConn Huskies, and now head coach Jon Scheyer and the rest of his staff shift to offseason mode to rebuild for the 2026-27 campaign.
This offseason is a bit unique for the Duke program, as the majority of the rotation has interesting decisions to make regarding a return to Durham, declaring for the NBA Draft, or hitting the transfer portal.
Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer stands on the court 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 | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Duke’s only guaranteed exits are Cameron Boozer and Maliq Brown, but besides those two, a lot feels up in the air.
One of those key pieces for the Blue Devils with a tough decision to make is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba, who might have been the team’s biggest breakout piece of the entire campaign.
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 | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Patrick Ngongba Broke Out in 2025-26
Ngongba completely broke out as a sophomore in an elevated role in the starting lineup. As a rookie, the Virginia native averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10.6 minutes a night. This past season, those numbers shot up to 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, along with 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks a night, on 60.6% shooting from the field.
The 6’11”, 250-pound big man transformed into a capable passer as well as one of the best defensive post anchors in college basketball. According to EvanMiya.com, Ngongba ranked eighth nationally in Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating and 11th nationally in Total Bayesian Performance Rating.
Patrick Ngongba, Duke 6-11 C, 19 y/o
-Smart backdoor passer, can facilitate from top of arc or post
-Strong finisher/O-rebounder, uses body below rim, good timing as big in 2-man game,
-Capable of attacking from perimeter, using footwork/body control
-Adds some rim protection… pic.twitter.com/H7coclTdeC
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) October 1, 2025
Ngongba also showed a willingness to take the three this season, attempting 31 threes and making eight after attempting one total as a rookie. Ngongba’s improved passing and footwork have skyrocketed his stock into potential first-round pick status.
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 | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Patrick Ngongba NBA Draft Outlook
Ngongba is the No. 25 overall prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to CBS Sports, putting the center in a very similar position to Isaiah Evans. If Ngongba were selected around the 24-30 range, he could earn anywhere from $2 million to $4 million as a rookie in the NBA.
However, if he returned to Duke, that number could be higher in today’s NIL era of college basketball.
Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs guard Liutauras Lelevicius (3) drives to the basket against Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) during the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Overall, it seems more likely that Ngongba will declare for the NBA Draft rather than return to Duke, as his draft stock will probably never be higher than it is now. This is a very weak center class, with the only center ranked higher than Ngongba being Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance.
Additionally, Ngongba’s continued foot issues, which he has dealt with for practically his entire collegiate career, could come back to bite him. The big man missed nine games as a freshman and another six as a sophomore. Getting to the NBA with his stock this high is probably the smart move.