After surviving a scare against No. 16 Siena in the first round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament, Duke will be getting a big reinforcement to support Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Dame Sarr.
Forward Patrick Ngongba checked into the game in the first half against TCU for the first time since March 2 against NC State, as he plays through a foot injury. Ngongba arrived to the arena on a scooter, something Jon Scheyer said was a precaution rather than a necessity, per Tracy Wolfson.
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Ngongba brings a physicality to the floor for Duke, something it was sorely missing in its first-round matchup against Siena. He averaged 10.7 points per game and six rebounds, serving as a complement to Duke’s extremely capable scorers.
Here’s the latest on Ngongba as he plays against the Horned Frogs.
Patrick Ngongba injury update
Ngongba has been nursing foot soreness that has kept him out since he played on March 2 against NC State. He was questionable until later March 21, with Jon Scheyer saying he had to get cleared to play.
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“He needs to practice,” Scheyer said on March 20, per ESP. “He needs to just be on the floor and move the way that he needs to be successful. He’s been ramping up and doing a really good job. We just want to make sure he’s feeling right to play at a high level. Not just to be out there, but to be him.”
Even so, Ngongba arrived to the arena on a scooter and is expected to be on a minutes restriction against TCU. What his ceiling is is unclear, but Duke is undoubtedly glad to have his presence back in the paint for whatever he can give it.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Patrick Ngongba playing vs TCU as he continues to nurse foot injury
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