Duke's Patrick Ngongba II returns for March Madness matchup vs TCU

The Blue Devils center missed five straight games with a foot injury but is back for the second-round NCAA Tournament game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:33pm

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Duke basketball center Patrick Ngongba II is back for the Blue Devils' second-round March Madness matchup against TCU after missing five straight games with lingering soreness in his right foot. Ngongba, who is averaging 10.7 points, 6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season, checked into the game with 16:14 left in the first half.

Why it matters

Ngongba's return is a big boost for Duke, the tournament's top overall seed, as they look to advance to the Sweet 16. The 6-foot-11 center is a key part of the Blue Devils' frontcourt and his presence will be important against a tough TCU team.

The details

Duke coach Jon Scheyer said he expects Ngongba to play, but likely won't see his normal minutes due to the time he's missed. Ngongba went through warmups with the team ahead of the game.

  • Ngongba checked into the game with 16:14 left in the first half.

The players

Patrick Ngongba II

A 6-foot-11 center for the Duke Blue Devils who is averaging 10.7 points, 6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“If he has good warmups, I expect him to be out there and that will be a great thing for our team.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke head coach

“I think naturally since he hasn't played as much, there's not an official limit but I don't expect him to play his normal minutes today for sure.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke head coach

What’s next

Duke will look to Ngongba to provide a boost in the paint as they take on a tough TCU team with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.

The takeaway

Ngongba's return is a critical development for Duke as they continue their quest for a national championship. His presence in the lineup gives the Blue Devils added size and scoring punch in the frontcourt, which could prove pivotal against physical opponents in the later rounds of the NCAA Tournament.