Duke's Patrick Ngongba II Still Using Scooter Ahead of NCAA Tournament Game

Ngongba has missed Duke's last two games due to a sore right foot injury.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Duke sophomore Patrick Ngongba II was seen entering the arena for the Blue Devils' NCAA tournament second-round game against TCU on Saturday while using a scooter and wearing a boot on his right foot. Ngongba, Duke's third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, has missed the team's last two games due to the foot injury.

Why it matters

Ngongba's continued absence would be a significant blow for Duke, as he provides valuable scoring and rebounding production in the paint. His injury status could impact the Blue Devils' chances of advancing deep in the NCAA tournament.

The details

Ngongba suffered the sore right foot injury at the end of the regular season and has not played since missing Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina. Duke coach Jon Scheyer said on Friday that he was 'hopeful' Ngongba would be available for Saturday's game, but the sophomore has not done what is needed to be cleared to play yet.

  • Ngongba missed Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina.
  • Ngongba has not played since the end of the regular season.

The players

Patrick Ngongba II

A sophomore forward for Duke University's men's basketball team, Ngongba is the Blue Devils' third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke University men's basketball team.

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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, Head Coach, Duke University

What’s next

If Ngongba is unable to play against TCU, his potential return would be pushed to the Sweet 16 if Duke advances that far in the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Ngongba's continued absence due to his foot injury could significantly impact Duke's chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament, as he is a key contributor on both ends of the floor for the Blue Devils.