As the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 begins on Thursday, a few injury questions are lingering with some top teams.
One of the biggest is regarding the top overall seed, the Duke Blue Devils.
Duke earned the No. 1 seed in the entire field, although it isn't much of a reward with the East Region including teams such as UConn, Kansas, St. John's and Michigan State.
Duke played – and won – the ACC Tournament without center Patrick Ngongba as he deals with a foot injury, putting his status into question.
On Wednesday, just one day before Duke's Round of 64 clash against No. 16 Siena, head coach Jon Scheyer gave a concerning update on the Ngongba injury front.
"He's been progressing," Scheyer said, via The Field of 68. "I think it's very unlikely that he plays tomorrow. We're going to keep taking it day-by-day…He's itching to play, but we're not quite there for tomorrow just yet."
"He's been progressing…. I think it's very unlikely that he plays tomorrow."
Jon Scheyer on Patrick Ngongba’s latest injury status pic.twitter.com/wCqROvVTtU
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 18, 2026
Ngongba is third in the team with 10.7 points per game and 6.0 rebounds, so the big man is a focal point of this roster.
Duke is also without Caleb Foster, who suffered a fractured foot and won't be able to return until the Final Four, if at all.
Ngongba was still in a walking boot as well, so his chances of playing in the Round of 64 seem highly unlikely.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer said center Patrick Ngongba is “very unlikely” to play in tomorrow’s NCAA Tournament opener against Siena.
Ngongba is still in a walking boot and using a knee rover scooter, and is not out at Duke’s open practice.
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) March 18, 2026
When Will Ngongba Return?
Duke faces Siena on Thursday at The Well in Greenville, South Carolina.
On Wednesday, Duke showed up for a practice, and Ngongba was spotted still in a knee rover.
Wait for it …
But still Knee Rover entry for Patrick Ngongba II. pic.twitter.com/ptnsdhBN0S
— Conor O'Neill (@ConorONeill_DI) March 18, 2026
Ngongba last played on March 2 against NC State, scoring 11 points with five rebounds in 18 minutes of play before he missed the season finale and the entire ACC Tournament with the injury.
The good news is that a No. 16 seed beating a No. 1 seed is rare, but it has happened recently with Fairleigh Dickinson beating Purdue and UMBC beating Virginia before that.
Duke is still a heavy favorite, and for good reason, even without Ngongba. But, there is concern going forward, especially with the Blue Devils facing the TCU-Ohio State in the Round of 32.
Related: Louisville Announces Mikel Brown Jr. Injury Update Ahead of March Madness
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.