Duke Suffers Crucial Injuries Ahead of ACC Tournament

Blue Devils' Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba likely out for conference tourney

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils capped off their regular season with a 76-61 victory over rival North Carolina, but the win came at a cost. Sophomore center Patrick Ngongba did not suit up due to a foot injury, and junior guard Caleb Foster exited the game in the first half with a right foot injury, returning to the bench in a walking boot. Coach Jon Scheyer said after the game that he does not expect either player to participate in the upcoming ACC Tournament, with the hope they can return for the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Ngongba and Foster are two key pieces for Duke, with Ngongba being one of the most underrated defensive big men in the country and Foster serving as the team's best perimeter defender and a critical veteran presence. Losing them is a major blow to Duke's chances of winning a third ACC Tournament title in four seasons.

The details

Ngongba, a 6'11" sophomore, has emerged as one of the breakout players for the Blue Devils this season. He is a constant threat in the pick-and-roll and can guard multiple positions. Foster, a 6'5" junior, is one of Duke's best rebounding guards and their top perimeter defender. He is averaging 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

  • Duke defeated North Carolina 76-61 on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Caleb Foster exited the game against North Carolina in the first half with a right foot injury.

The players

Caleb Foster

A 6'5" junior guard for Duke who is one of the team's best rebounding guards and top perimeter defenders.

Patrick Ngongba

A 6'11" sophomore center for Duke who has emerged as one of the most underrated defensive big men in the country.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils.

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What they’re saying

“I do not expect Foster or Ngongba to play at all in the ACC Tournament, with the hope being that they will return for the NCAA Tournament.”

— Jon Scheyer, Head Coach

What’s next

Duke will kick off its quest for its third ACC Tournament Championship in four seasons next Thursday without the services of Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba.

The takeaway

The injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba are a major blow to Duke's chances of winning the ACC Tournament, as the two players are key contributors on both ends of the floor. The Blue Devils will have to find a way to overcome these losses if they hope to claim their third conference tournament title in four years.