The Duke basketball program held its annual Countdown to the Craziness event this weekend.
It’s one of the cooler traditions in college basketball, and it can also be a great addition to the pitch. 5-star 2027 forward Asa Montgomery took his official visit to Duke for the countdown to madness and picked up. crystal ball divination to land with the Blue Devil the next day.
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It probably won’t take too much from the intrasquad scrimmage at Countdown to Craziness, and it’ll probably be a lot more likely than the Devil’s first preseason game. scrimmage at Bell Mountain on Thursday, but here are a few interesting observations.
March 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) loses the ball while driving from the basket against Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) in the middle during the Elite Eight game of the Eastern Region Men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Amet Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGE Images via Reuters Connect
Patrick Ngongba’s Frame
Junior center Patrick Ngongba he looks leaner and much more mobile, and could significantly expand his role beyond what he was during his first two years at Durham.
According to the Chiefs’ roster, Ngongba is listed at 6’11 and 250 pounds, the same measurements as last year, but his frame definitely seems to have changed.
March 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Chief Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) runs down the court against Texas Christian University’s Horned Frogs in a second round game of the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Thermal Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGE Images via Reuters Connect
The junior has spent some time on the perimeter with the ball in his hands, and he can end up passing much more aggressively than he initially expected. He raised his assist-per-game average to 2.0 last season, but has been involved much more in the passing game as a junior.
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I’m curious to see just how much Ngongba’s score-numbers jump this season and what his role actually looks like, but it could be one of the most impactful. Two-way players in college basketball. Remember, Ngongba was a strong first round pick, if you could say for the 2026 NBA Draft, but he chose to go back to school.
The key for Ngongba is this season He stays healthy. He played two seasons at Duke. If he can stay on the floor, any amount of players on the player’s roster will be gained.
March 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Chief Blue Devils guard Lady Sarr (7) reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half in an Elite Eight game of the Men’s East Region 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Amet Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGE Images via Reuters Connect
Mrs. Sarr Expanded The Gravelness Game
Sophomore Dame Sarr turned one I am a major candidate apply in the 2026-27 season. The 6’8″ wing has already established himself as one of the best defenders in college basketball, but his three-point shooting left a lot to be desired: he shot 32.3% on 3.5 attempts per game as a rookie.
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It looks like Sarr is not only working on his outside shooting this offseason, but on his entire offensive game. The Italian, on the downhill slope, hastened on many occasions and sought contact in the basket. If Sarr can consistently establish a three-point shot in a decent volume and be a threat near the rim, he will be on the floor more often with the defensive talent he already possesses.
Sarr must make a huge leap in his second season of college basketball and enter the conference lottery 2027 NBA Draft if the game takes an offensive jump.
Oct 3, 2026; Durham, NC, USA; Blue Devil leader Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (30) in the countdown to Craziness at the Indore Cameron stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGE Images via Reuters Connect
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje looks comfort everywhere
Joachim Boumtje Boumtje’s His role as a freshman will be so interesting for fans to follow. Listed at 7’2 and 250 pounds, he can pass high, handle the ball on the perimeter, and work in pick-and-roll and read-and-pop.
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Over the summer, Boumtje Boumtje can be proven to be a reliable three-point shooter in good volume and also possess great ball handling and passing skills of the seven-footer. He can be switchable defensively, and his body makes him a very valuable rebounder and shot-blocker.
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts during the first half during the Sweet Sixteen game of the 2026 Men’s Eastern Conference playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGE Images via Reuters Connect
This is going to be difficult for head coach Jon Scheyer to keep Boumtje off the floor, which he immediately looked comfortable with. The 17 years he could quickly make a major dent for the Blue Devil, regardless of age. An international perspective is also possible start right away
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/duke as 3 Interesting Observations from Duke’s Countdown to Scrimmage Craziness.