Duke Star Patrick Ngongba II joins a talented Eastern Conference Team in a 2026 NBA Mock Draft.
Duke Blue Devils star Patrick Ngongba II is putting together a strong season and has become one of the top big prospects in the 2026 NBA draft.
In a recent mock draft, Ngongba is projected to go to the Charlotte Hornets with the 19th overall pick.
Ngongba is putting together a solid sophomore season, averaging 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, two assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He is shooting 60.8 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three on 1.1 attempts per game.
Ngongba is the starting center for the Blue Devils after being in a backup role in his freshman campaign. He appeared in 30 games in 2025, averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 71.9 percent from the field in 10.5 minutes per game.
He would be a solid fit on a Hornets team that has shown promise of late. Charlotte owns this pick via the Suns, as well as their own, giving them the chance to add two more young pieces to their core.
The Hornets are 26-29 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They have won nine of their last 10 and are progressing in their rebuild.
Ngongba would be a talented center to add to their roster, giving them a shot blocker who has the potential to develop into a stretch five.
The 19-year-old's defense makes him an intriguing prospect who could grow into a solid rotational big man for a young team like the Hornets.
For Duke, they will look to maximize this season before players like Cameron Boozer and Ngongba head off to the NBA.
The Blue Devils hold a 23-2 record and are the fourth-ranked team in the country. Duke has the opportunity to make a deep run and could win it all. In the 2025 season, they fell short, suffering a heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four.
With a talented frontcourt of Boozer and Ngongba, the Blue Devils will be a tough out for any team in the tournament before they head to the NBA Draft.
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