BABCOCK HOOPS · SCOUTING REPORT
Patrick Ngongba II
HT / WT
6'11", 250 lbs
TEAM
Duke
POSITION
Center
CLASS
Junior
BIRTHDATE
February 13, 2006
PLAYING HISTORY
St. Paul VI (VA) · HS
HOMETOWN
Manassas, Virginia
NATIONALITY
United States
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 and powerfully built, he brings a sturdy interior presence and has continued to improve 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 rebounding are consistent strengths. Continued progress with his conditioning and mobility will be key to how he projects at the next level.
Ngongba's size, presence, and skill level stand out, and he contributes to winning. I have concerns about his mobility and versatility, but he’s a priority regardless.
— Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
EVALUATION
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 the 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 and doesn't 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.
BOTTOM LINE
Patrick Ngongba II is a strong, polished big man who excels by playing to his strengths. He scores efficiently inside, rebounds at a high level, and adds value with his passing and decision-making. While his athletic limitations may cap his upside as a defender, his blend of size, touch, and feel makes him a safe bet to contribute. Ngongba has the potential to carve out a role as a serviceable NBA center. Improving his shooting and mobility will be key to his development.
