Will Patrick Ngongba Return Against TCU?
Speaking of Ngongba, will the 6-11 big man play against the Horned Frogs? That is the big question.
Ngongba, the Blue Devils’ third-leading scorer and second-best rebounder, has been dealing with a right foot injury and has been sidelined since March 2 against NC State. However, Ngongba did practice earlier today and is officially listed as questionable for the game, which tips at 5:15 p.m. (ET) in Greenville (SC).
“I’m hopeful that he’s going to be available for tomorrow,” before the team practiced today. “We’ll see what he can do in practice today, and if all goes well, I know he was itching to play yesterday. He hasn’t done what he’s needed to do to be able to play, but if everything goes well, we’ll see him back in there.”
Ngongba averages 10.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 60% from the field. The 20-year-old has also produced one double-double despite playing just 22 minutes a game, though his value lies beyond the numbers.
“The interior scoring, the rim protection — it’s important,” Scheyer said about the importance of having Ngongba in the lineup.
Ngongba gives the Blue Devils a vertical threat, as he is an elite finisher at the rim, forcing defenses to tag, rotate, and shrink. Thus, opening driving lines for Cam Boozer and giving the Blue Devils open looks from deep — Duke makes nine threes a game at a 34.6% clip for the season.
Ngongba also stabilizes Duke’s rim protection, as he is the Blue Devils’ only true shot blocker. With Ngongba in the lineup, Cam Boozer can be more aggressive, knowing he has a deterrent behind him.
