Despite the killer offseason Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff had, arguably the biggest news was getting sophomore center Patrick Ngongba back for another year. Ngongba and Isaiah Evans had very interesting decisions to make following their sophomore campaigns, as both were projected late-first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. At their current draft projection, there was a good chance both could make more money in college basketball next year than on an NBA rookie salary as late first-rounders. Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; IDuke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) shoots the ball against the St. John's Red Storm in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images In the end, Ngongba remained in Durham and Evans elected to make the jump to the NBA.…