Potential 1st-round pick returns to Duke basketball alongside Cayden Boozer

Duke basketball is no stranger to roster turnover every offseason, as the Blue Devils routinely churn out first-round picks year after year. This year was no different, as both Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans both should be taken in the first round, with Boozer having a chance to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Big man Patrick Ngongba II emerged late in the season as a possible third first-rounder coming out of Duke. The versatile big man struggled with some injuries late in the season and into the NCAA Tournament, but he proved that he has an intriguing skillset that can translate to the next level.

Now, the NBA will have to wait another year to get a look at Ngongba. On Monday, the big man announced that he is returning to Duke for his junior season, the team announced on social media.

Ngongba’s contributions don’t light up the stat sheet, but his impact has been felt on both ends during both of his seasons at Duke. This past year, he averaged 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in just over 23 minutes per game, but Duke struggled in the few games that he missed.

While Ngongba’s screening and activity is an asset for Duke on the offensive end of the floor, it’s what he does defensively that makes him an intriguing NBA target. While he doesn’t have overwhelming size on the interior and isn’t an elite rim protector, averaging just 1.1 blocks per game this year. However, he is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and make things difficult for the offense.

Ngongba joins a Duke roster that should be loaded once again next season, with three five-star recruits coming in and point guard Cayden Boozer returning to school. Ngongba should slot in as a starter for that group and give the Blue Devils a high defensive floor once again.

Jon Scheyer certainly isn’t done hunting in the transfer portal either, so there is a good chance that this Duke roster gets even scarier before next season, and adding Ngongba to that mix is a major win.

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