The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, has been dominating the 2025-26 season with a stellar 22-2 record (11-1 in ACC play) as of mid-February 2026. Ranked No. 4 nationally, the Blue Devils boast one of the most talented rosters in college basketball, featuring a mix of experienced returners and high-impact freshmen who have propelled Duke to the top of the ACC standings.

However, SAD NEWS has rocked Cameron Indoor Stadium and sent shockwaves through Duke Nation. In a somber update delivered earlier today (February 13, 2026), Coach Jon Scheyer announced that two key players will be forced to withdraw from the upcoming crucial matchup against the No. 20 Clemson Tigers due to injuries. The absences come at a pivotal moment, as Duke prepares for a high-stakes home game on February 14, 2026, at noon ET (broadcast on ESPN), where a win could solidify their grip on first place in the conference.

The players sidelined are starting center Patrick Ngongba II and emerging forward Cameron Boozer. Both are integral to Scheyer’s rotation and have been standout performers in what has been a reloaded, high-ceiling season for the Blue Devils.

Scheyer’s Heartbreaking Announcement

Speaking to reporters and on the ACC coaches’ call, Scheyer was visibly concerned as he confirmed the news. “This is a tough blow for our group,” Scheyer said. “Patrick and Cameron have been huge for us—physically, emotionally, and on the stat sheet. After thorough medical evaluations following recent games, we’ve decided the smartest move is to hold them out against Clemson to protect their health and ensure they’re ready for the long haul through March.”

Ngongba II, the 6-11 sophomore big man from Manassas, Virginia (via St. Paul VI High School), has been Duke’s anchor in the paint. Averaging around 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and solid rim protection, the former top-25 recruit has started every game he’s played this season. His injury—a wrist issue sustained during the intense February 7 loss at rival North Carolina—forced him to miss the subsequent win over Pittsburgh. Scheyer had expressed uncertainty about his status earlier in the week, noting, “He fell on his wrist in the Carolina game…

We were holding out hope, but it wasn’t realistic.” Doctors have now ruled him out for the Clemson clash to avoid aggravating the injury, which could sideline him longer in the postseason push.

Cameron Boozer, the 6-9 freshman forward and one of the crown jewels of Duke’s elite 2025 recruiting class (ranked No. 3 nationally in some composites), has exploded onto the scene. The Miami native (son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer) is posting eye-popping numbers—approximately 23.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game—making him a legitimate National Player of the Year contender as a freshman. His twin brother Cayden (a guard) remains available, but Cameron’s absence leaves a massive void in scoring, rebounding, and interior presence.

The injuries reportedly worsened in recent physical ACC battles. Ngongba’s wrist flared up after contact in the UNC thriller (a 71-68 buzzer-beater loss that also saw fan chaos and a staffer injured in the court storm). Boozer, dealing with a lower-body issue (possibly ankle or knee soreness from heavy minutes), pushed through but medical staff deemed it too risky against Clemson’s athletic frontcourt.

Massive Impact on the Clemson Showdown

The February 14 game against Clemson is a marquee ACC battle with huge implications. The Tigers, riding a strong season themselves, feature a balanced attack and physical style that thrives in the paint. Without Ngongba’s rim protection and rebounding, Duke’s interior defense takes a hit. Boozer’s scoring punch—often coming in transition and second-chance opportunities—will force Scheyer to lean on small-ball lineups or elevate others like Maliq Brown (senior forward) or Dame Sarr (wing defender) into bigger roles.

Duke fans have flooded social media with disappointment and support. “Losing Pat and Cam for Clemson is brutal—Cameron’s been unstoppable,” one fan tweeted. “Next man up, but this hurts the title chase.” The absences add drama to an already intense rivalry-laden stretch, following the emotional UNC loss and the staffer’s injury during the court storm.

Scheyer, however, struck an optimistic tone: “Our depth is real, and our guys believe. We’ve got veterans like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and Maliq ready to step up. This team has shown resilience all year—we’ll compete like hell on Saturday.”

Duke’s Dominant Season Under Scheyer

In his fourth year as head coach, Scheyer has silenced any early doubts about succeeding Mike Krzyzewski. After Final Four runs in prior seasons, this 2025-26 squad—bolstered by the Boozer twins, returners like Foster (junior guard averaging key points), Evans (sophomore sharpshooter), and transfers—has gelled into a powerhouse. Duke leads the ACC, boasts elite recruiting (No. 1 class incoming for 2026), and looks primed for another deep March run.

The program has navigated injuries before, and Scheyer’s player-first approach—emphasizing health and development—has earned praise. Resources for recovery are top-tier, with the staff prioritizing long-term success over one game.

Fan Reactions and Path Ahead

Duke Nation is rallying with messages of encouragement for Ngongba and Boozer. Hashtags like #DukeStrong and #GetWellBlueDevils are trending, reminding everyone that one setback doesn’t define a championship-caliber team. Younger players and reserves will get spotlight minutes against Clemson, offering a chance to prove the roster’s depth.

For Clemson, the news provides a golden opportunity to pull off an upset in Cameron Indoor and shake up the ACC race. But Duke remains favored at home, even shorthanded.

As the Blue Devils push toward March Madness, this injury news is a stark reminder of college basketball’s physical toll. Yet, under Jon Scheyer’s steady leadership, Duke has repeatedly shown they thrive in adversity. The focus now turns to Saturday’s tip-off—where “next man up” will be put to the ultimate test.

The college hoops world watches closely as the Blue Devils adapt and fight on. One thing is clear: This Duke team isn’t done yet.