Patrick Ngongba, who has committed to playing for Duke, provides an injury update and discusses his future with the Blue Devils.
Duke recruit Patrick Ngongba is nearing a return to the basketball court following a foot injury. The 6-foot-11 forward, ranked 17th overall in his class, has been in communication with Duke staff as he progresses in his recovery.
Ngongba is scheduled to see the doctor on March 8th for an update on his timeline to return to play. He has been receiving guidance from Duke’s medical team and coaches throughout his rehabilitation process.
Ngongba added, “They’ve advised me to stay engaged with basketball, focus on mental preparation, and work on aspects like ball handling, shooting, strength training, and similar activities to come back stronger than before.”
During his time observing Duke closely, Ngongba has been highly impressed by how they utilize sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski and admires the team’s overall performance.
“I’ve been studying Duke, and I’m really impressed with how they utilize Kyle Filipowski,” he remarked. “Overall, I think they’re doing decently, but there’s room for improvement. Despite some tough losses, I believe they have the potential to go far, although it’s unpredictable.”
Ngongba possesses an impressive blend of size, length, and offensive prowess. Standing just below 7 feet tall, he boasts broad shoulders and a sizable frame, making him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. Known for his soft hands, delicate touch, and remarkable footwork, Ngongba excels as a low-post scorer while also showcasing developing shooting range extending to the three-point line.
Additionally, he demonstrates adept passing skills, effectively punishing double-teams and facilitating plays from various positions on the court. Ngongba’s versatility allows him to thrive in ball-screen actions and dribble-hand-off situations. He boasts exceptional offensive efficiency, evidenced by his 70% field goal shooting during the EYBL regular season, and shows potential to anchor a half-court offense in the future. However, concerns about durability and mobility linger, stemming from previous injuries and initial stiffness upon return.
While he exhibits prowess as a rim protector and rebounder, his defensive versatility remains limited, primarily as a drop coverage big man. Despite these considerations, Ngongba’s rapid improvement since recovering from injury suggests significant long-term potential.
