Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Huge 2024 Recruit Reveals Finalists

Duke basketball has survived a cut from at least one of its two 2024 targets at the center position.

Matt Giles

Duke Basketball: Huge 2024 Recruit Reveals Finalists
Duke Basketball: Huge 2024 Recruit Reveals Finalists /
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Paul VI Catholic (Va.) center Patrick Ngongba II, on the verge of a five-star rating at No. 26 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and climbing quickly, announced the eight finalists in his recruitment to On3's Joe Tipton on Tuesday afternoon. The list includes his Duke basketball suitors, who hosted him for an official visit in early June.

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Ngongba's other seven remaining contenders are Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Providence, and UConn. His other three official visits to date were to Kansas State, UConn, and Providence, per Tipton.

The 6-foot-11, 235-pound agile big man, who racked up more than two dozen offers but has been on Duke's wishlist for less than two months, plans to announce his final decision sometime this fall and before the early signing period in November.

While the 247Sports Crystal Ball sits empty for Patrick Ngongba II, some see the Duke basketball program as one of the frontrunners.

After all, the Blue Devils have landed commitments from three Paul VI Catholic talents since 2019 alone. However, all three are guards or wings: Trevor Keels, now on a two-way contract with the New York Knicks; Jeremy Roach, entering his senior season in Durham; and Darren Harris, a 2024 Duke commit and Ngongba's teammate.

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In addition to Harris, second-year Blue Devil head coach Jon Scheyer and his crew have reeled in a 2024 commitment from North Meck (N.C.) five-star small forward Isaiah Evans.

Ngongba and Kokomo (Ind.) five-star Flory Bidunga are the only two centers in the class holding an offer from Duke.

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Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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