The Duke Blue Devils injury update ahead of their second-round clash with the TCU Horned Frogs offered a surge of optimism, as it strongly hinted that center Patrick Ngongba II could be nearing his long-awaited return.
Momentum toward that possibility continued to build throughout the day. In the official availability report released before the matchup, Ngongba was listed as “questionable.” While that label doesn’t always inspire confidence, it represents a meaningful step forward for Duke, especially after weeks without their starting big man. It’s also a notable improvement from the team’s first-round report against Siena, where Ngongba had been ruled “out.”
For a fanbase that has been anxiously monitoring every update, this subtle shift felt significant. It added to a growing list of indicators suggesting that Ngongba may be ready to rejoin the lineup sooner rather than later.
The day began on a less encouraging note, however. A video surfaced showing Ngongba still wearing a walking boot and using a knee scooter, which sparked concern among Duke supporters and cast doubt over his immediate availability. But that narrative quickly evolved.
Head coach Jon Scheyer later addressed the situation, offering a more upbeat outlook by saying he was “hopeful” Ngongba could return in time for Saturday’s game. That statement alone helped shift the tone, suggesting that the Blue Devils were preparing for the possibility of having their starting center back on the floor against TCU.
As the day progressed, even more encouraging signs emerged. Duke’s men’s basketball social media team released a hype video that included footage of Ngongba taking part in practice activities. In the same clip, highly touted freshman Cameron Boozer added to the excitement with a simple but powerful message: “It’s time for Big Pat.”
At that point, anticipation among fans—especially the Cameron Crazies—reached a new level. The updated availability report ultimately served as the confirmation many had been waiting for, allowing real hope to take hold regarding Ngongba’s return.
Still, “questionable” doesn’t guarantee he will suit up. There remains uncertainty about whether he’ll be fully cleared in time. Yet, all signs point to progress, and that alone is a major boost for Duke as they prepare for a high-stakes matchup.
The No. 1-seeded Blue Devils are set to face the No. 8-seeded Horned Frogs on Saturday, March 21, with tip-off scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ET. The Round of 32 showdown will be nationally televised on CBS, with Duke potentially welcoming back a crucial piece at just the right moment.