Uncertainty Surrounds Duke’s Starting Center
Top-ranked Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball could be dealing with a significant lineup concern ahead of their highly anticipated rivalry matchup with the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball. Center Patrick Ngongba is reportedly battling foot soreness, leaving his availability uncertain for Saturday’s game.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, the sophomore big man’s status will likely be determined at game time. The update came during a broadcast of College GameDay, which was aired live from Cameron Indoor Stadium, the historic home court of the Blue Devils.
Ngongba Participates in Walk-Through Despite Foot Soreness
While the injury concern has raised questions among fans and analysts, Ngongba did participate in Duke’s walk-through session on Saturday morning. The limited participation offers some hope that the talented center may still suit up for the crucial contest.
Ngongba has been an important piece of Duke’s frontcourt rotation this season. Teaming up with highly touted freshman forward Cameron Boozer, he has helped anchor the Blue Devils’ interior play on both ends of the floor.
Through the season, Ngongba has averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, numbers that highlight his value as both a scorer and rebounder in Duke’s system.
Past Injuries Have Already Tested the Sophomore
This season has not been entirely smooth for Ngongba, who has previously battled hand injuries during his sophomore campaign. Despite those setbacks, he has remained a key contributor whenever healthy.
In the teams’ previous meeting earlier this year, Ngongba struggled to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. During the Feb. 7 matchup in Chapel Hill, Duke fell to North Carolina 71–68 in a tightly contested game.
Ngongba logged just 16 minutes before fouling out. He finished that contest with four points and seven rebounds, leaving Duke short of interior production during critical stretches of the game.
Duke’s Frontcourt Could Face a Tough Matchup
If Ngongba is unable to play, Duke will rely heavily on Boozer and forward Maliq Brown to handle the physical battle inside the paint. The duo would be tasked with containing North Carolina center Henri Veesaar.
Veesaar proved to be a major factor in the Tar Heels’ previous victory, scoring 13 points in the second half to spark a comeback win at the Dean E. Smith Center. His size and scoring ability could present a major challenge if Duke is short-handed in the frontcourt.
Tar Heels Also Dealing With Key Absence
North Carolina will not be at full strength either. Freshman guard Caleb Wilson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a broken right thumb.
Wilson had a major impact in the teams’ first meeting, scoring 23 points in the Tar Heels’ victory. His absence removes one of North Carolina’s most dynamic offensive weapons heading into the rivalry clash.
Even with injuries affecting both sides, the storied rivalry between Duke and North Carolina promises another intense chapter as the teams meet again on college basketball’s biggest stage.