Something dangerous is brewing in Durham, and his name is Pat Ngongba.
The sophomore big man has officially sent a warning shot across college basketball — the version of Pat you thought you knew? Gone. Replaced by a leaner, meaner, locked-in beast that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows inside Duke’s summer workouts.
In a striking new post by @DukeMBB, Ngongba sits stone-faced with a basketball gripped tightly in his hands, eyes locked in like a man with a mission. The caption? Icy cold:
> “You thought you knew Pat Ngongba? That version doesn’t exist anymore. 😈”
And it’s not just for show.
Reports out of Durham say Ngongba’s offseason transformation has been one of the most dramatic in the program. The once-promising freshman has sharpened every edge of his game — from footwork in the paint to footspeed on defense — and he’s showing flashes of dominance that have even veteran staff saying, “He’s different.”
“Pat’s coming into his own. You can feel it,” said one Duke insider. “This isn’t the same guy from last year. He’s out to prove something.”
Under head coach Jon Scheyer’s intense summer philosophy — “Outwork Everybody” — Ngongba is thriving. He’s become louder, stronger, more aggressive, and more confident. It’s not just the physical tools that are clicking — it’s his mindset. He’s not just playing for a role. He’s playing for power.
Teammates are noticing. Coaches are leaning in. And now, fans are starting to get excited about what he could mean for Duke’s title hopes.
If Ngongba’s evolution continues at this pace, the Blue Devils won’t just have a solid frontcourt. They’ll have a nightmare matchup — and one of the most improved big men in the country.
