Duke Receives Injury Updates Before NCAA Tournament

Blue Devils could get key players back for March Madness

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:51pm

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Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and the top-seeded Blue Devils received some positive injury news ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II, who missed the ACC Tournament with a foot injury, is expected to return for the Big Dance. Junior guard Caleb Foster, who suffered a fractured foot in the regular-season finale, is also hoping to make it back in time for a potential Final Four appearance.

Why it matters

Duke is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and a favorite to win the national championship. Getting Ngongba and possibly Foster back would be a huge boost as the Blue Devils look to cut down the nets.

The details

Ngongba has been a key contributor for Duke this season, averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. His return would strengthen the Blue Devils' frontcourt. Foster, a North Carolina native, was also having a strong junior campaign before his injury. While he is out indefinitely, there is hope he could return in the Final Four if Duke advances that far.

  • Duke won the ACC Tournament championship on March 16, 2026.
  • The Blue Devils will face Siena in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2026.

The players

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who led the team to a No. 1 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Patrick Ngongba II

A sophomore center for Duke who missed the ACC Tournament with a foot injury but is expected to return for the NCAA Tournament.

Caleb Foster

A junior guard for Duke who suffered a fractured foot in the regular-season finale and is hoping to return in time for a potential Final Four appearance.

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What they’re saying

“Keith Gill says Duke 'is going to be closer to full strength' as it gets closer to the NCAA tournament.”

— Conor O'Neill, College basketball reporter (X)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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