Ngongba blossomed into a consistent impact player for the Blue Devils in year two after an injury-riddled but promising freshman campaign. He’s an overqualified sidekick for Cameron Boozer and the rest of Duke’s loaded roster, anchoring his team’s defense and creating shots for others on offense. Well-positioned for a deep March Madness run, how high can he climb up 2026 NBA Draft boards?
Click here to read our latest mock draft and big board for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Patrick Ngongba — Center, Duke (20.3 years old)
Patrick Ngongba Scouting Report & NBA Comparison
- Offensive role: Playmaking Hub/Post-Up Creator
- Defensive role: Post Defender/Mid-Deep Drop Big
Gasol is a lofty peak to aspire to, but Ngongba’s blend of physical strength, quick hands, passing chops and touch all mirror what made the Spaniard integral to great teams for years. His excellent post scoring touch, power and some athletic limitations resemble Jefferson, though he’s more accomplished defensively with more perimeter skill.
NBA Comparison: Marc Gasol, Al Jefferson
Strengths
- Unbelievable functional strength with a rock solid core and sturdy torso, impossible to move in the post or on the glass
- Soft touch around the rim with both hands, accesses hooks/turnarounds in post, floaters in short roll with some mid-range flashes
- High-volume playmaker from the top of the key, excellent threading bounce passes in tight windows for shots at the rim
- Excellent rebounder in traffic, vacuums boards with long arms, a high motor and great instincts high pointing balls
- Quick, active hands generate steals and deflections defending the pick-and-roll
- Size, strength and length make him a brick wall at the rim, accurate targeting shots for early blocks
Weaknesses
- Low contesting motor around the rim, will often stare or swipe at shots at the rim or drives in his area
- Lacks explosive vertical athleticism for above-the-rim finishing and shot blocking, struggles to get off the floor cleanly in tight spaces
- Limited outside shooter, willing to take open catch and shoot threes but lacking volume and consistency
- High center of gravity and thinner lower body limits his balance, often falling on the floor and out of plays
2026 NBA Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 11-20
Ngongba’s well-rounded skillset presents several pathways to NBA impact on offense and defense and beyond those traits, his consistent dominance over his peers deserves credit. His strong connective playmaking, physicality, offensive rebounding all fit with the NBA’s meta, an auspicious sign for his potential to start on great playoff teams.
