HE IS BACK! With His Unexpected Return to the Duke Blue Devils, Patrick Ngongba Dazzles the College Basketball World

In a stunning twist that few saw coming, Patrick Ngongba II — the towering center with NBA aspirations — has decided to return to Duke University for another season. His announcement sent shockwaves through the college basketball community and reignited massive excitement around the Duke Blue Devils’ 2025–26 season.

For Duke fans, this is nothing short of a dream come true. And for college basketball, it’s a seismic event that reshapes the national landscape.

A Surprise That Changes Everything

When the 2024–25 season concluded, most experts pegged Ngongba as a surefire NBA Draft pick. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’5″ wingspan, elite footwork, and a budding offensive game, he checked all the boxes scouts drool over. His name appeared on mock drafts anywhere between late first and early second round. Many expected that he had played his final game in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

But as the offseason unfolded, rumors began swirling. Whispers that Ngongba wasn’t fully satisfied with his draft projections. Hints that he felt there was unfinished business at Duke. Then, in a bombshell Instagram post accompanied by a video of his biggest plays, Ngongba captioned simply:

“ONE MORE. Let’s finish what we started. #TheBrotherhood #UnfinishedBusiness”

The response? Pandemonium. Within minutes, Duke fans, players, alumni, and even rival coaches were reacting. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called it “the single biggest offseason win for any program,” while Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, released a statement saying:

“Patrick is the heart of what we’re building. His leadership, work ethic, and sheer talent make everyone around him better. We’re beyond thrilled he’s back to lead us.”

His Journey So Far

Patrick Ngongba’s story at Duke has been one of perseverance, growth, and flashes of dominance. A four-star recruit out of Paul VI Catholic (Virginia), he arrived in Durham somewhat overshadowed by higher-profile classmates. But it didn’t take long for people to realize he had star potential.

His freshman year showed glimpses: strong rebounding, rim protection, and efficient finishing around the basket. However, it was during his sophomore campaign that Ngongba made a leap. He averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, anchoring Duke’s interior on both ends of the floor. His 65% shooting from the field was among the best in the ACC, and his defensive impact often went beyond the box score.

Key games like his 16-point, 13-rebound, 4-block performance against North Carolina cemented his reputation as a big-game performer. More importantly, his teammates looked to him as a steadying force in tough moments.

Still, Patrick knew he had more to give. His return signals a player who isn’t content with “good enough.”

Why He Came Back

Ngongba’s decision is layered. According to sources close to Duke’s program, several factors contributed to his stunning return:

• Draft Feedback: NBA executives liked Ngongba’s potential but wanted to see more offensive polish, particularly midrange shooting and passing out of double-teams.
• Brotherhood Bond: Duke’s “Brotherhood” culture resonated with him. He reportedly spent countless hours talking with former Blue Devils like Wendell Carter Jr. and Mark Williams, both of whom emphasized the importance of leaving a “complete legacy.”
• Unfinished Business: Last season ended bitterly for Duke, falling in the Sweet Sixteen in an overtime thriller. Ngongba felt the team could have gone further — and that he personally could elevate to another level.
• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): Thanks to Duke’s robust NIL infrastructure, Ngongba secured lucrative deals that made returning to college a financially smart move.

One insider close to the team put it best:

“Patrick wants to leave no doubt — no doubt he’s an NBA lottery pick, no doubt he’s one of the best bigs in college basketball, no doubt that Duke is back on top.”

How His Return Shapes Duke’s 2025–26 Roster

Before Ngongba’s announcement, Duke already had a promising outlook. Five-star recruits are once again flooding into Durham. The backcourt is loaded with returning talents and new freshmen, including dynamic guard Isaiah Evans and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel.

Adding Ngongba to this mix gives Duke something few others have: an elite big man with experience.

Here’s what his return does for the Blue Devils:

• Elite Defense: Ngongba is a true rim deterrent. His shot-blocking instincts and ability to switch on pick-and-rolls make Duke’s defense instantly more formidable.
• Offensive Expansion: Expect Duke to run more sets through Ngongba. His low-post game continues to develop, and early reports suggest he’s been working hard on a face-up jumper.
• Veteran Leadership: With a locker room full of young stars, having a mature, seasoned leader is invaluable — especially come March.
• Championship Aspirations: Quite simply, Duke moves from a fringe contender to a bona fide national championship favorite.

If Jon Scheyer was looking for the missing piece to complete his first title run as head coach, Ngongba might just be it.

What Scouts Will Watch For

Make no mistake — Patrick Ngongba’s return is as much about development as it is about championships. NBA scouts will zero in on several key areas during the upcoming season:

• Expanded Offensive Arsenal: How comfortable is he taking 10-15 footers? Can he knock down free throws at a 75% clip?
• Passing Vision: Big men like Nikola Jokic and Al Horford have made it clear that passing is a premium skill. Improving as a facilitator could boost Ngongba’s stock enormously.
• Consistency: Can he dominate for 30+ minutes a night without fading or getting into foul trouble?

Early indications are promising. Sources inside Duke’s offseason workouts say Ngongba looks stronger, quicker, and more confident than ever before.

What This Means for College Basketball

In the era of rapid NBA departures and frequent transfers, seeing a player of Ngongba’s caliber return feels almost nostalgic. It reminds fans of a different time — when players stayed to chase banners, build legacies, and cement themselves as legends within their programs.

Duke’s chances at another Final Four dramatically improve, but more broadly, Ngongba’s return elevates the entire sport. It’s a shot in the arm for college basketball, keeping elite talent on the floor and creating storylines that fans crave.

Expect Duke to be a media magnet all year long. Every ACC arena he steps into will feel the weight of his presence. Every matchup against blue-blood opponents will take on added gravity.

And if Ngongba leads Duke deep into March, don’t be surprised if he cements himself alongside the all-time great Blue Devils.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy in the Making

Patrick Ngongba’s return is more than just a roster move. It’s a statement. A statement that greatness takes time. That loyalty still matters. That Duke’s “Brotherhood” is alive and well.

If he achieves what he’s aiming for — ACC Player of the Year, All-American honors, a national title — Ngongba’s name will live forever in Durham lore, right alongside the likes of Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Zion Williamson.