Duke Basketball Welcomes Back Star Center for 2026-27 Season
Duke basketball receives big news with starter returning for 2026-27
Yahoo! NewsImage: Yahoo! News
Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II has announced his return for the 2026-27 season, adding stability to the team's roster. This comes as Duke aims for a strong comeback after their performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with Ngongba having averaged 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds last season.
- 01Patrick Ngongba II is returning for his third season with the Duke Blue Devils.
- 02He averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game last season.
- 03Ngongba shot 60.6% from the field during the 2025-26 season.
- 04His return adds continuity to a star-studded lineup as Duke prepares for the 2027 season.
- 05Duke aims to improve upon their 2026 NCAA Tournament performance.
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Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II has confirmed his return for the 2026-27 season, bolstering the team's roster as they prepare for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. After a disappointing exit in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, head coach Jon Scheyer is focused on reloading the lineup. Ngongba, who has played 62 games with 28 starts over two seasons, had a standout performance last year, averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. His impressive 60.6% shooting from the field highlights his effectiveness in the paint, though he has struggled with three-point shooting, hitting only 25% of his attempts. Ngongba's return is expected to provide a steady presence in the paint for Duke as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
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Ngongba's return provides Duke with a reliable player in the paint, which is crucial for their strategy as they aim to improve their performance in the NCAA Tournament.
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