Duke‘s Pat ngongba Poised for Breakout Season, Draft Potential on the Line
DURHAM, NC – Duke forward Pat Ngongba is entering a pivotal season with the potential to significantly elevate his NBA draft stock, according to a recent report. after demonstrating remarkable per-minute production as a freshman, Ngongba’s ability to secure consistent playing time and remain healthy will be key factors in realizing his considerable upside.Unlike teammate Khaman Maluach, who began basketball relatively late in life, Ngongba was raised with a deep basketball pedigree. His father,Patrick Ngongba,played college basketball at George Washington University and professionally overseas,while his mother is a longtime basketball coach. This foundational upbringing, similar to that of other prominent basketball families like the Hurleys and Dunleavys, has equipped Ngongba with a strong basketball IQ and skillset from a young age. His maternal uncles also played college basketball, one at marquette and the other at George Mason.
Last season, Ngongba averaged 14.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes. He also posted a 12.1 offensive rebound percentage, 12.6 assist percentage, 2.1 steal percentage, and a 5.6 block percentage, resulting in a 10.5 Box Plus-Minus – the highest among all freshmen who played between 20% and 40% of their team’s minutes.
Despite his promising statistics, Ngongba faced a physical transformation during high school, needing to slim down and build muscle rather than simply adding size. The Duke coaching staff and observers are now focused on whether he can translate his efficient production into a larger role this season, and whether he can avoid injury, both of which could dramatically impact his position in the upcoming NBA draft.
