Duke is expected to open the NCAA tournament Thursday without big man Patrick Ngongba, who remains sidelined while recovering from a foot injury.
Ngongba’s continued absence leaves Duke thinner in the frontcourt as the Blue Devils begin postseason play, increasing the workload for key rotation players.
Added pressure on Boozer
With Ngongba not available, more responsibility falls to star freshman Cameron Boozer as Duke looks to establish its interior presence at both ends of the floor in its tournament opener.
Duke enters the NCAA tournament aiming to advance through the bracket without one of its big men, managing minutes and roles as it begins the single-elimination format.