Patrick Ngongba II returning to Duke for junior season

Field Level Media|published: Mon 20th April, 11:12 2026

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Elite Eight-East Regional-Connecticut at Duke

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) talks to Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) during a stoppage in play against the UConn Huskies in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Patrick Ngongba II is coming back to Duke next season.

Ngongba confirmed his decision on Monday and the defensive anchor for the Blue Devils is certain for a prominent role in head coach Jon Scheyer's altered rotation.

Ngongba (6-foot-11, 250 pounds) averaged 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season playing alongside national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer.

While Boozer is bound for the NBA draft, his brother, Cayden, has also confirmed his return to Duke for the 2026-27 season.

If senior Caleb Foster decides to return, he'll be Scheyer's first player to arrive at Duke as a freshman and stay all four years through his senior season. Another guard, Isaiah Evans, could also return after each of his first two seasons ended in heartbreaking fashion in the NCAA Tournament.

Foster was a 39.8% 3-point shooter last season and averaged 8.3 points per game.

--Field Level Media

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