Duke Shorthanded for ACC Tournament After Injuries to Key Players

Blue Devils won't have Caleb Foster and Pat Ngongba II available for conference tournament

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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No. 1 Duke will be without two key players, Caleb Foster and Pat Ngongba II, for next week's ACC Tournament due to injuries. Foster exited Saturday's game against North Carolina early with a right foot injury, while Ngongba has been dealing with soreness in his foot and hasn't played since March 2. Despite the injuries, Duke is still expected to be the favorite to win the ACC Tournament for the third time in the past four seasons.

Why it matters

Duke's injuries to Foster and Ngongba come at a critical time, as the Blue Devils look to secure a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The ACC Tournament is an important tune-up event before the big dance, and Duke will now have to navigate the conference tournament without two key contributors.

The details

Caleb Foster started Saturday's game against North Carolina but played just 11 minutes before exiting with a right foot injury. He returned to the bench wearing a boot. Meanwhile, Pat Ngongba II has not played since March 2 due to soreness in his foot. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said he does not expect either player to suit up for the ACC Tournament next week.

  • Caleb Foster exited Saturday's game against North Carolina on March 4, 2026.
  • Pat Ngongba II has not played since March 2, 2026.
  • The ACC Tournament is scheduled for next week.

The players

Caleb Foster

A Duke guard who suffered a right foot injury in the team's game against North Carolina on March 4, 2026.

Pat Ngongba II

A Duke player who has been dealing with soreness in his foot and has not played since March 2, 2026.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Jon Scheyer said postgame he does not expect to see Caleb Foster or Pat Ngongba II next week at the ACC tournament. All eyes towards the NCAA tournament.”

— Anna Snyder, Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Duke's injuries to key players Foster and Ngongba come at an inopportune time, as the Blue Devils prepare for the ACC Tournament and look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team will have to navigate the conference tournament shorthanded, raising questions about their chances of winning the title and building momentum heading into the big dance.