Story perspectives

Duke's Ngongba returns; Mullins, Haugh projected first-round 2027 picks

7/28/2026

Summary

Mullins Draft Rise

College players are projected as first-round picks in the 2027 NBA Draft.
UConn forward Braylon Mullins and Duke guard Patrick Ngongba II aim to raise their 2026-27 draft stock.
Guard Haugh returned to Florida after testing the draft, keeping a top-10 pick possible with scoring.
Mullins' clutch Elite Eight shot against Duke lifted his draft profile while Tyran Stokes, a top-ranked recruit, is the favorite to be No. 1 in 2027.

Summary

Ngongba Returns

Duke coach Jon Scheyer named center Patrick Ngongba II the marquee offseason return to anchor program continuity.
Ngongba, a former backup on Duke’s 2025 Final Four team, posted a breakout sophomore campaign that showed growth.
Scheyer’s retention plan focuses on keeping core players like Ngongba to preserve Duke’s defensive identity.
Analysts expect Ngongba to anchor the interior defense this season, providing stability despite modest statistical outputs.

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Mullins Draft Rise

College players are projected as first-round picks in the 2027 NBA Draft.
UConn forward Braylon Mullins and Duke guard Patrick Ngongba II aim to raise their 2026-27 draft stock.
Guard Haugh returned to Florida after testing the draft, keeping a top-10 pick possible with scoring.
Mullins' clutch Elite Eight shot against Duke lifted his draft profile while Tyran Stokes, a top-ranked recruit, is the favorite to be No. 1 in 2027.

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