Patrick Ngongba II injury update: Jon Scheyer can't provide a timeline but is "attacking it with a crazy urgency"

Duke coach Jon Scheyer is impressed with how five-star freshman Patrick Ngongba II is progressing with his injury rehabilitation. However, he can't provide a timeframe for the burly center's recovery.

Ngongba, one of the five-star recruits set to play for the Blue Devils in the 2024-25 college basketball season, didn't play in the team's 107-56 win over Division II team Lincoln on Saturday night.

The 6-foot-11 big man is undergoing rehabilitation for the foot injuries he suffered during his senior year at Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia last season. He underwent surgery on his right foot in December 2023 and is also dealing with lingering issues with his left foot.

But Scheyer couldn't deliver a timetable on Patrick Ngongba's full recovery and possible time to come back into action.

"He's doing well. He's now jumping a little bit. But he still is a ways away, and it would be wrong for me to put a timeline on it because our priority is getting him 100% and getting him back and healthy and ready to go," Scheyer said (per Sports Illustrated).

"We're attacking it with a crazy urgency. But I can't put a timeline on it," he added.

Ngongba's absence resulted in Scheyer relying on 7-foot-2 250-pound five-star freshman Khaman Maluach to lead the Duke defense in the middle. Maluach had a promising performance at the center spot, tallying four points, 11 rebounds and two blocks (per GoDuke.com).

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Maliq Brown gains playing time following Patrick Ngongba II's continued absence

Aside from Khaman Maluach, the Duke Blue Devils relied on transfer forward Maliq Brown to man the frontcourt against Lincoln in Patrick Ngongba II's absence. The junior produced a quality performance for the No. 7-ranked squad in the AP Preseason rankings.

The 6-foot-8 big man, who led the ACC in steals last season for Syracuse, continued where he left off from last year. He tallied seven points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in 19 minutes of playing time. He was perfect from the field, making all three of his attempts.

With Patrick Ngongba's return still uncertain, Maliq Brown should get more opportunities to impress for the Blue Devils.

Duke is scheduled to meet Arizona State in an exhibition game on Oct. 27 at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. The matchup, dubbed the Brotherhood Run charity game, will benefit the Duke Children's Hospital.

The exhibition game will also feature former Duke guard Bobby Hurley, who currently calls the shots for the Sun Devils. Tipoff is set at 7 p.m. ET.

The Blue Devils open their 2024-25 college basketball campaign against Maine on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. ET also at the Cameron Indoor Stadium.