Duke's Patrick Ngongba II expected to play vs. TCU despite using scooter

Ngongba has been out with a sore right foot since the end of the regular season

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke's third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, is expected to play in Saturday's second-round NCAA tournament game against TCU despite entering the arena on a scooter due to a sore right foot. Duke coach Jon Scheyer said Ngongba is 'itching' to play and will be on a minutes restriction if he does suit up.

Why it matters

Ngongba's return is crucial for Duke, as the team struggled without him in their first-round win over Siena, trailing by 11 points at halftime before pulling away late. His presence in the paint will be important against a tough TCU team.

The details

Ngongba has been out since missing Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina. He was seen entering the arena on Saturday with a boot on his right foot, but CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson said he is expected to play, though he will be on a minutes restriction. Ngongba is averaging 10.7 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

  • Ngongba missed Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina.
  • Ngongba was seen entering the arena on Saturday with a boot on his right foot.

The players

Patrick Ngongba II

Duke's third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, averaging 10.7 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

Jon Scheyer

Duke's head coach, who said Ngongba is 'itching' to play and will be on a minutes restriction if he does suit up.

Tracy Wolfson

CBS reporter who said Ngongba is expected to play in Saturday's game against TCU.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now, he hasn't done what he needs to do in order to play, but if everything goes well, we'll see him back in there.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke head coach

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

Ngongba's return is crucial for Duke's tournament hopes, as his presence in the paint will be important against a tough TCU team. However, his minutes will be limited as he continues to recover from the sore right foot that has kept him out since the end of the regular season.