The Duke Blue Devils could be without two starters heading into next week’s ACC Tournament. Center Patrick Ngongba did not play at all in Saturday’s rematch against UNC and point guard Caleb Foster left with 4:39 remaining in the 1st half of Duke’s 76-61 win. Both have foot injuries.
“Pat did everything humanly possible to be out there,” head coach Jon Scheyer said after the game. He wanted to play so badly. Pat’s a tough guy. He’s having some foot soreness.”
Caleb Foster went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury to his right foot. He was visibly in extreme pain as the trainer examined him on the bench. He would go to the locker room shortly after and return during the 2nd half with a boot on.
“We’ll get imaging immediately and then take action – whatever action (if any) needs to be done,” Scheyer said.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Blue Devils, who have a number one seed in next week’s ACC Tournament and are trending to get a number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Scheyer admitted that he would be shocked if both Ngongba and Foster played next week.
“Health going into the NCAA Tournament is the priority,” Scheyer said. “ACC Tournament we want to be ready to go, but I’d be shocked if both of them are playing next week. Our plan is how can we get as healthy as possible, as ready as possible for two weeks from now.”
The Blue Devils will play the winner of Wednesday’s second round matchup between Florida State and California.
