Duke's Ngongba Eyes Tournament Return

0:00On March 20, Duke coach John Shire says he's hopeful that key big-man Patrick Englundba the second will suit up for Saturday's second round NCAA. Tournament matchup against TCU. The six-foot-eleven sophomore has been sideline by right foot soreness, missing his fifth straight game after Duke's first round win over Sienna. Englundba set out the regular season finale against North Carolina, three Atlantic Coast Conference tournament games, and Thursday's close call against. The 16th seed. As the top overall seed in the East region, Duke pushed through without him but could use his presence inside. Shire wants to monitor Englundba's practice performance before deciding, stressing the need for him to move freely and play at full strength. His averages of 10.7 points, six rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.9 assists make him vital for rim protection, rebounding. And passing that opens up the offense. Without Nangongba, freshman Cameron Booser has logged more minutes at center,

1:01forcing some rotation tweaks. Shire noted that Englundba's return will let everyone settle into natural spots and boost the team's inside dominance. Duke's tournament run hinges on these injury updates, setting the stage for what could be a deeper push if their front court gels just right.