2026 NBA Draft: Patrick Ngongba II Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Patrick Ngongba II

Position: Center

College: Duke

Class: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'11", 250 lbs

Birthdate: February 13, 2006

High School: St. Paul VI (VA)

Player Overview

Patrick Ngongba II is a big man who impacts the game with his physical strength, efficiency, and steady play. Nearly seven feet tall with a big frame, he brings a sturdy interior presence and has steadily improved his offensive skill set. While he isn’t the most explosive or mobile big man, his polish on the block, soft touch, and emerging versatility provide intrigue.

Ngongba has a polished post game, scoring with footwork, patience, and a dependable release on jump hooks around the rim. He complements that with passing instincts that allow him to read defenses and find teammates effectively.

Defensively, Ngongba plays with strength and positioning, using his size and length to contest shots and control the glass. He isn’t a shot-blocking specialist or a switchable defender, but his paint presence and ability to rebound are consistent strengths. Continued progress with his conditioning and mobility will be key to how he projects at the next level.

Strengths

• Interior Scoring: Soft hands and polished footwork allow him to score efficiently around the rim.

• Frame & Physicality: Uses his size and strength to carve out position and finish through contact.

• Passing & Feel: Makes smart reads for a big man, showing impressive basketball IQ.

• Rebounding & Paint Presence: Strong rebounder with length to control the glass and alter shots in the lane.

  
  

Concerns

• Mobility & Quickness: Limited agility makes him more of a drop coverage defender than a versatile one.

• Athleticism: Relies on strength and positioning rather than lift or explosiveness, which could cap his rim protection.

• Floor Spacing: Hasn’t shown much perimeter shooting ability and does not currently stretch the floor.

• Defensive Versatility: Doesn’t project as a big man who can comfortably guard in space.

• Durability: Injury history raises questions about how well his body will hold up long term.

  
  

Questions

• Can Ngongba develop the mobility to defend more effectively outside of the paint?

• Can he expand his shooting range to provide floor spacing?

• How much defensive value can he provide with below-average quickness and verticality?

  
  

Bottom Line

Patrick Ngongba II is a strong, polished big man who excels by playing to his strengths. He scores with efficiency inside, rebounds at a high level, and adds value with his passing and decision-making. While his athletic limitations may limit his upside as a defender, his blend of size, touch, and feel makes him a safe bet to contribute. If his shooting and mobility can progress, Ngongba has the potential to carve out a role as a serviceable NBA center.