Duke's Jon Scheyer Gives Positive Injury Update on Key Big Man

Blue Devils coach says Patrick Ngongba II's injury is not as serious as initially feared.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Duke head coach Jon Scheyer provided a positive injury update on key big man Patrick Ngongba II, who suffered a wrist injury in the team's loss to North Carolina. Scheyer said the injury is not as serious as initially feared and that Ngongba is 'doing better.' However, Scheyer was unsure if Ngongba would be able to play in Duke's upcoming game against Clemson.

Why it matters

Ngongba has been a solid contributor for Duke this season, averaging 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His absence would be a significant loss for the Blue Devils, who are currently 22-2 on the season and 11-1 in ACC play. Duke's game against Clemson, who is second in the ACC standings, is an important matchup as the team looks to maintain its position atop the conference.

The details

Ngongba suffered the wrist injury during Duke's loss to North Carolina on Saturday. He played just 16 minutes in that game, scoring 4 points with 7 rebounds. Scheyer said the next morning Ngongba's wrist was 'really sore,' but tests showed no major damage. Maliq Brown started in Ngongba's place against Pittsburgh, but others like Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans stepped up to lead Duke to a 70-54 win.

  • Ngongba was injured during Duke's loss to North Carolina on Saturday.
  • Scheyer provided the injury update prior to Duke's game against Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

The players

Jon Scheyer

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

Patrick Ngongba II

A key big man for the Duke basketball team who is dealing with a wrist injury.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing better. He had an injury during the North Carolina game. He's really tough, he played through it. The next morning his wrist was really sore.The good news is we got the imaging and all that. Everything is intact and he's okay, but there's some stuff going on there with some soreness and we got to get him right and healthy.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach (USA Today)

“I wish I knew (if he was able to play against Clemson). You know, he's — he got hurt in the Carolina game, he fell on his wrist. Very — we were holding out hope, you know, can he play today? I think that was incredibly unrealistic. He wasn't close to being ready. Pat's really tough. Pat's dealt with a lot of different, like, just — not major things this year, but just, you know, where he gets — he got hit on his other hand and he's had stuff that, I mean, for him to be out, I mean, it's something. And we have to see how he does the next couple days, to see if there's even a chance, and go from there. But it's hard to say.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach (On3)

What’s next

Scheyer said they will have to see how Ngongba progresses over the next couple of days to determine if there is any chance he could play in Duke's upcoming game against Clemson on Saturday.

The takeaway

Ngongba's injury is not as serious as initially feared, but his status for the Clemson game remains uncertain. Duke will need to find a way to replace his production if he is unable to play, as the Blue Devils look to maintain their position atop the ACC standings.