Patrick Ngongba II more than doubled his scoring during a breakout sophomore season and looked like a potential first-round pick before a foot injury interrupted his momentum. Now back at Duke, Rafael and James discuss whether Ngongba can take another leap, how his game translates to the modern NBA and whether he could ultimately become the first Blue Devil selected in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Patrick Ngongba II entered his sophomore season needing to prove he could take a significant step forward...and that's exactly what he did.
After averaging just 3.9 points as a freshman, the Duke center jumped to 10.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 60.5% from the field. His season was interrupted by a foot injury in February, however, raising an interesting question about what his draft decision might have looked like had he remained healthy while playing some of his best basketball.
Rafael already viewed Ngongba as a first-round talent last season. Now he's returning to a loaded Duke roster with another opportunity to improve his stock.
On NBA Draft Junkies Live, Rafael and James break down Ngongba's development, his role on this Duke team and how his combination of strength, touch, physicality and interior play translates to today's NBA. And with several NBA prospects in Durham, we ask the bigger question: Could Patrick Ngongba II actually be the first Duke player selected in the 2027 NBA Draft?
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