EMOTIONAL: Pat Ngongba Ready To Step It Up For Duke

EMOTIONAL: Pat Ngongba Ready To Step It Up For Duke

 

There’s a quiet fire burning inside Pat Ngongba — a calm intensity that doesn’t always show on the surface, but it’s there, and it’s real. The 6-foot-11 Duke freshman isn’t just stepping into one of the most storied programs in college basketball — he’s stepping into a moment he’s been preparing for his entire life. And for Ngongba, it’s not just about basketball. It’s about legacy, family, and heart.

Coming out of Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, Ngongba had his pick of schools. A four-star prospect, he turned heads with his size, footwork, and raw potential. But when Duke called, something clicked. The brotherhood, the challenge, the opportunity to wear that iconic jersey — it meant something deeper. It meant becoming part of something bigger than himself.

But even with the bright lights of Cameron Indoor Stadium ahead of him, Pat’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy.

“My mom always told me, ‘Work in silence. Let your game talk,’” Ngongba says, his voice soft but steady. “There were times I didn’t know if I’d make it this far. But I kept pushing because I knew I had more to give.”

That strength comes from his roots. Pat’s family has been a rock — through injuries, setbacks, and long hours in the gym. His late father, also named Pat, was a former athlete himself. His passing left a void in Ngongba’s life, but also gave him a reason to push harder.

“He’s with me every time I step on the court,” Ngongba says, emotion just beneath the surface. “Every rebound, every block, every moment — it’s for him.”

At Duke, he’s stepping into a role that demands growth and resilience. With the Blue Devils returning a loaded roster, minutes won’t be handed out. But that’s never been Pat’s mindset. He doesn’t want anything easy.

“Coach (Jon) Scheyer told me from the start — ‘You earn everything here.’ That’s all I needed to hear,” Ngongba says. “I’m ready to earn it.”

In preseason workouts, he’s already started to make an impression. Coaches praise his work ethic, his sponge-like approach to learning, and the way he battles every possession. Teammates speak of his humility — and the way he picks them up when things get tough.

But perhaps the most telling sign of Ngongba’s readiness isn’t found in a stat sheet or a highlight reel. It’s in the way he carries himself — grounded, grateful, and driven.

“I know I still have a lot to prove,” he says. “But I’m not scared of the moment. I’m here to step up, whatever that means for the team. I just want to help Duke win.”

For Pat Ngongba, this season is more than just the start of his college career. It’s a chance to honor his family, to embrace the grind, and to show the world what heart really looks like — even when it’s quiet.