Duke big man unlikely to play in opener

The Future of Duke Big Man Patrick Ngongba II Unlikely to Suit Up for NCAA Opener

As March Madness approaches, Duke coach Jon Scheyer has provided an update on the status of starting big man Patrick Ngongba II, stating that he is very unlikely to play in the team's first-round game against Siena due to ongoing soreness in his right foot.

Ngongba, a 6-foot-11 sophomore, has missed four consecutive games for the Blue Devils (32-2), including their Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title run. Despite earlier optimism that he would be ready to return for the start of the NCAA Tournament, Scheyer's latest assessment suggests that Ngongba may not be cleared to play just yet.

In the locker room, Ngongba was spotted wearing a protective boot on his right foot and using a knee scooter to limit walking. He did not speak to reporters, but Scheyer provided an update on Ngongba's status, saying He's been progressing as we've gotten closer to tomorrow... I think it's very unlikely that he plays tomorrow. We're taking it day by day. He's itching to play, but we're not quite there for tomorrow just yet.

Ngongba has started 28 of his 29 games, averaging 10.7 points and 6.0 rebounds while demonstrating effectiveness as a rim protector. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Blue Devils' chances in the tournament.

Scheyer emphasized that Ngongba's situation is not a setback, but rather a cautious approach to ensure he returns to full health. It's not just anything where you can say two weeks and you're back, 12 days and you're back... You have to take it step by step with what he's doing, Scheyer said. Everything is going in a good direction, but I think the comfort that we want him to feel is not quite there.

The Duke big man's availability for Saturday's game will depend on his progress over the next 24-48 hours. If Ngongba does miss the opener, it could have significant implications for the Blue Devils' chances in the tournament.

Key Takeaways

Patrick Ngongba II is unlikely to play in Duke's first-round NCAA Tournament game due to ongoing soreness in his right foot.
Ngongba has missed four consecutive games for the Blue Devils (32-2).
Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized that Ngongba's situation is not a setback, but rather a cautious approach to ensure he returns to full health.
The Duke big man's availability for Saturday's game will depend on his progress over the next 24-48 hours.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.