Patrick Ngomba injury update: Duke Center gets latest before March Madness begins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Duke Blue Devils begin their NCAA tournament on Thursday.
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They’re hoping March Madness hasn’t started yet, because it’s No. 1 seed Duke taking on No. 16 seed Siena, a pairing that has only caused two upsets in tournament history.
But it’s worth noting that Duke may not be firing on all cylinders.
In addition to point guard Caleb Foster being out with an injury, Patrick Ngomba is also injured.
Head coach Jon Schell provided an update on Ngomba on Wednesday, the day before the tournament opener.
Patrick Ngomba injury update
Duke head coach Jon Schell told reporters on Wednesday, via Brendan Marks of The Athletic, that it’s “highly unlikely” Patrick Ngomba will play against Siena in March Madness.
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Marks added that Ngomba still wears walking boots and uses a knee mobility scooter.
The center also did not participate in Duke’s open practice on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-11 center is averaging 10.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 60.2 percent from the field.
In his absence, versatile Malik Brown received more playing time. This isn’t necessarily a downgrade for Duke, but it weakens the overall center depth chart.
They will certainly hope for Ngomba’s early return to boost their national title bid.