Duke basketball is gearing up for the 2026 ACC tournament without their starting center, Patrick Ngongba II. Head coach Jon Scheyer shared in a recent media session that while Ngongba will miss the ACC tournament due to right foot soreness, the team is hopeful for his return in the NCAA tournament.
Ngongba, who sat out Duke's regular-season finale against UNC, was seen in a walking boot during the second half of that game. The Blue Devils, currently ranked No. 1 with a 29-2 record, will also be missing starting point guard Caleb Foster for the foreseeable future due to a foot fracture he sustained against UNC.
Scheyer emphasized the importance of prioritizing Ngongba's recovery for March Madness. "Pat's out for the ACC tournament," Scheyer stated.
"Our mindset is to get him ready for the NCAA tournament. That's the priority.
We're going to get him right where he's ready to join us when we go for the real thing."
The 6-foot-11 sophomore, who averages 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, has been a key player for Duke. Despite his absence, Scheyer remains optimistic about Ngongba's return for the NCAA tournament, suggesting he could be back at the start of March Madness.
In Ngongba's absence, Maliq Brown stepped up against UNC, posting a season-high 15 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. Brown, recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, has proven his capability to fill the void.
Duke, familiar with navigating injuries, won last year's ACC tournament without Brown and Cooper Flagg. Scheyer highlighted the team's resilience and belief in each other, saying, "I think this is part of what a team is all about, stepping up.
The belief in this locker room is there 100%. We're not going to make any excuses."
The Blue Devils, holding the No. 1 seed, will kick off their ACC tournament on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m., facing the winner between No. 8 Florida State and No.
9 Cal. They're also projected to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.