Previously injured Duke basketball player now available against Kentucky

Duke Basketball, No. 6 in this week's AP Top 25 poll, advances to face the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at 9 in the nightcap of the Champions Classic at Atlanta's State Farm Arena :11 a.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN).

READ ALSO: Kon-Fire in Cameron leads to Blue Devil friendly hardware

Ahead of the highly anticipated Blueblood showdown, National College Hoops Insider Jon Rothstein reported that third-year Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and his talented Blue Devils (2-0, 0-0 ACC) are seeking the services of Center Patrick Ngongba II will be on call against the Wildcats. However, there is no guarantee that the 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram rookie will come into play.

It may depend on whether or not a Duke basketball freshman big man, starting center Khaman Maluach, commits early fouls in the contest.

Ngongba missed the Blue Devils' preseason and first two regular-season games while trying to get to 100 percent after suffering foot injuries last year as a five-star senior at Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.). . However, after watching pregame warmups from the sideline during Duke's introductions, he took part in layup lines and the like for the team's blowout victories over Maine and Army last week.

After battling Kentucky, the Blue Devils prepare to welcome Wofford to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday at noon ET.

READ ALSO: The Duke Blue Devil staff is planning another true street competition

Stay tuned Duke Blue Devils on SI For more Duke basketball news, click here.