Evaluating Duke's Ngongba's NBA Draft Outlook

Duke's only guaranteed exits are Cameron Boozer and Maliq Brown, but besides those two, a lot feels up in the air.

One of those key pieces for the Blue Devils with a tough decision to make is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba, who might have been the team's biggest breakout piece of the entire campaign.

Patrick Ngongba Broke Out in 2025-26

Ngongba completely broke out as a sophomore in an elevated role in the starting lineup. As a rookie, the Virginia native averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10.6 minutes a night. This past season, those numbers shot up to 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, along with 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks a night, on 60.6% shooting from the field.

The 6'11", 250-pound big man transformed into a capable passer as well as one of the best defensive post anchors in college basketball. According to EvanMiya.com, Ngongba ranked eighth nationally in Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating and 11th nationally in Total Bayesian Performance Rating.

Ngongba also showed a willingness to take the three this season, attempting 31 threes and making eight after attempting one total as a rookie. Ngongba's improved passing and footwork have skyrocketed his stock into potential first-round pick status.

Patrick Ngongba NBA Draft Outlook

Ngongba is the No. 25 overall prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to CBS Sports, putting the center in a very similar position to Isaiah Evans. If Ngongba were selected around the 24-30 range, he could earn anywhere from $2 million to $4 million as a rookie in the NBA.

However, if he returned to Duke, that number could be higher in today's NIL era of college basketball.

Overall, it seems more likely that Ngongba will declare for the NBA Draft rather than return to Duke, as his draft stock will probably never be higher than it is now. This is a very weak center class, with the only center ranked higher than Ngongba being Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance.

Additionally, Ngongba's continued foot issues, which he has dealt with for practically his entire collegiate career, could come back to bite him. The big man missed nine games as a freshman and another six as a sophomore. Getting to the NBA with his stock this high is probably the smart move.