Durham

Duke center Patrick Ngongba II has decided to stay with the Blue Devils another season.

Ngongba’s return was announced Monday by the basketball program, which posted a photo on social media of Ngongba that said ‘back.”

Ngongba was said to be considering a move to pro basketball, but the 6-11 sophomore has decided on another year of development before making that move.

Ngongba, playing with Cameron Boozer, had a consistently good season for the Blue Devils, averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game. He was slowed by foul problems at times but was a space-eater and presence in the paint when he was in the game – he averaged 22 minutes of playing time last season.

Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) dunks over St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) and guard Ian Jackson (11) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) dunks over St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) and guard Ian Jackson (11) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Ngongba, who is listed at 250 pounds, has been hampered by foot problems and missed the 2026 ACC Tournament as the Blue Devils won. He also was held out of Duke’s NCAA Tournament opener against Siena before returning for the TCU game, when he played 13 minutes in the Blue Devils’ comeback win against the No. 16 seed.

Ngongba was in for 17 minutes in the Devils’ Sweet 16 win over St. John’s, and 22 minutes in the loss to Connecticut in the regional final.

Ngongba’s return should help incoming freshman Cameron Williams more easily transition to the college game. The 6-11 forward from Phoenix, a 5-star recruit, could take over the power forward position filled last season by Boozer, who is expected to enter the NBA draft.

Since the Blue Devils ended a 35-3 season, forward Nikolas Khamenia and guard Darren Harris have transferred out of the program.. Guard Cayden Boozer has announced he will return for his sophomore season and now Ngongba. Still to make decisions are forwards Isaiah Evans and Dame Sarr, and guard Caleb Foster.

Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) gets to the loose ball before Michigan's L.J. Cason (2) during the first half of Duke’s game against Michigan in the Capital Showcase at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) gets to the loose ball before Michigan’s L.J. Cason (2) during the first half of Duke’s game against Michigan in the Capital Showcase at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) celebrates slamming in two in the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) celebrates slamming in two in the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:51 AM.

Related Stories from Raleigh News & Observer


Profile Image of Chip Alexander

Chip Alexander

The News & Observer

In more than 40 years at The N&O, Chip Alexander has covered the N.C. State, UNC, Duke and East Carolina beats, and now is in his 15th season on the Carolina Hurricanes beat. Alexander, who has won numerous writing awards at the state and national level, covered the Hurricanes’ move to North Carolina in 1997 and was a part of The N&O’s coverage of the Canes’ 2006 Stanley Cup run.