With Duke basketball gearing up for a new era, there are calls for a rising sophomore to take a new step forward.

Former four-star recruit and center, Patrick Ngongba II is entering a critical season in his development with the Blue Devils.

As a backup to 2025 first-round draft pick Khaman Maluach, Ngbongba performed admirably in relief in 10 minutes per game, averaging nearly four points, 2.7 rebounds on a team-leading 72% shooting from the field.

Ngbongba has an interesting skillset that can provide some stability in the paint, standing atop 6-foot-11. 

During the offseason, Ngbongba suffered an injury and was seen wearing a boot during offseason practice. Perhaps it was related to the nagging foot injury that he dealt with during his freshman season.

However, all seems to be OK on that front. Coach Jon Scheyer gave an update on his status:

“He’s working out, he is playing, and doing everything…”

Crisis averted.

Ngbongba’s presence will be massive for the Blue Devils coming up in the 2025-26 season.

With incoming freshmen like the Boozer twins, Dame Sarr, Nikolas Khamenia and Sebastian Wilkins, there still aren't many rim protectors quite like Ngbongba. 

He shone during the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, playing more than 10 minutes in three consecutive games, where he averaged 8.3 points per game, as well as 1.6 blocks.

In his recruiting profile for 247Sports, Adam Finkelstein, the Director of Scouting analyzed his game:

“He has extremely soft hands and touch, equally impressive footwork, and a high release point around the paint. He provides a true low-post scorer, but is also an inside-out threat with developing shooting range out to the arc. He’s a good passer who is starting to punish double-teams, facilitate from different spots on the floor, and even deliver balls with both hands.”

The soft hands and touch part is on point. Ngbongba showed exceptionally crafty moves in the low post with an impressive hook shot in limited time.

Below in his highlight video, Ngbongba showcased said footwork and soft touch around the rim – especially in the game against Illinois (at 4:25 - 4:57) where he was utilized more often.

From the looks of it, Ngbongba is projected to start for Duke, according to Anna Snyder of the Fayetteville Observer and is poised for a breakout season.

Can this be the season where he becomes one of the more dominant centers in college basketball? He certainly has the skillset for it.