March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Duke's Patrick Ngongba II is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Patrick Ngongba II 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 23 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the most prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Patrick Ngongba II player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Duke
• 10.7 points per game
• 6 rebounds per game
• 1.9 assists per game
• 60.2% field goal percentage
• 27.6% three-point field goal percentage

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 25

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Ngongba II NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land

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