Duke center Patrick Ngongba to return to Blue Devils for junior year

Duke sophomore Patrick Ngongba announced Monday on Instagram that he will return to the program for the 2026-27 season and forgo the 2026 NBA draft.

Ngongba averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 60.6% from the field in 32 appearances. He scored in double figures 20 times, including 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block on Jan. 12 in a win over Niagara.

The 6-foot-11 center ranked eighth among all players in the country in win shares per 40 minutes (.247) and 18th in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.7). He was one of 14 players in the ACC to record multiple blocks in nine or more games.

Ngongba was considered a potential late first-round pick this year because of his defensive skill set and ability to protect the paint. He also showed vast improvement on offense in a larger role for Jon Scheyer, raising his scoring from 3.9 points per game last year.

With Ngongba set to return next season, Scheyer will also have Cayden Boozer back after a productive freshman campaign. The team is awaiting decisions from sophomore Isaiah Evans, junior Caleb Foster and freshman Dame Sarr.

The Blue Devils are adding four top-100 recruits for next season in Cameron Williams (No. 3), Deron Rippey Jr. (No. 10), Bryson Howard (No. 15) and Maxime Meyer (No. 84). The group is considered the early favorite to win the title next year.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Duke news: Patrick Ngongba to return to Blue Devils for junior year