No. 1 overall seed Duke unlikely to have big man Patrick Ngongba II for March Madness Round 1
GREENVILLE, S. C. (AP) — Duke coach Jon Scheyer says starting big man Patrick Ngongba II is “very unlikely” to play Thursday's first-round game against Siena in March Madness because of soreness in his right foot.
The 6-foot-11, 250-pound sophomore has missed four straight games for the Blue Devils (32-2), first as a game-time decision for the regular-season finale against rival North Carolina and then last week's three-game run to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title . Scheyer previously expressed optimism that Ngongba would be ready for the start of the NCAA Tournament after the foot issues crept up during a late-season win at N. C.
State. “He's been progressing as we've gotten closer to tomorrow,” Scheyer said Wednesday before No. 1 overall tournament seed's practice for its East Region opener.
“I think it’s very unlikely that he plays tomorrow. We’re taking it day by day. He’s itching to play, but we’re not quite there for tomorrow just yet.
” Ngongba was still wearing a protective boot on his right foot in the locker room and still using a knee scooter to limit walking. He didn't speak to reporters. Ngongba has started 28 of his 29 games , averaging 10.