Living Up to Coach’s “Raving” Words, Who’s Baye Ndongo, 20YO Star Who Lead the Upset vs Duke?

In a thrilling game, the revamped Georgia Tech Jackets pulled off a shocking victory by defeating #7 Duke 72-68. This win marks their first back-to-back victories against ranked opponents since the 2016–17 season. And it is also the first time a Georgia Tech coach has defeated Duke in their initial meeting. Freshman Baye Ndongo played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 21 points and making clutch plays, including a game-winning shot block.

The victory is significant as it showcases the Jackets’ growth and potential under first-year coach Damon Stoudamire, while also solidifying their reputation as a strong contender in college basketball. As 20-year-old college sensation, Baye Ndongo has already been boasted about by the head coach, and he has sure lived up to expectations.

Coach’s Trump Card

The head coach of Georgia Tech boasted about his freshman: “Baye is a versatile and talented forward who has the ability to play on the perimeter as well as with his back to the basket. He’s a terrific rebounder and a relentless competitor. He’s humble, thankful, and appreciative, which are qualities we place high value on here at Georgia Tech.”

Being true to his words, the 20-year-old freshman exhibited tremendous game play as Georgia Tech upset No. 7 Duke 72-68 on Saturday. The win was prompted by 21 points from Baye Ndongo, whose dunk with 44 seconds remaining gave the Yellow Jackets the lead for good. This was the Blue Devils’ second straight loss to an unranked opponent this week.

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Head coach Damon Stoudamire said that a 6-9 power forward from Senegal, who is considered a four-star talent by certain recruiting services, has agreed to sign a grant-in-aid to join the Georgia Tech team.

Baye Ndongo’s impressive resume

Ndongo, a 220-pound athlete, recently finished his high school career at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. 247 Sports and On3 regard him as a three-star recruit and a four-star prospect. His ranking on Rivals reaches as high as No. 120 nationally.

Although he initially committed to Rutgers, he ultimately chose to attend the Yellow Jackets, turning down offers from Michigan and Nebraska. Ndongo’s family has a soccer background, but he started playing basketball at the age of 14.

During the 2022–2023 season, Ndongo played for Putnam Science Academy under the guidance of coach Josh Scraba. His contributions helped the team secure their fourth national prep school championship in five years. Throughout the season, he recorded three double-doubles and maintained an impressive 59.2 percent three-point shooting rate.

On average, he scored 8.3 points and grabbed 4.8 rebounds per game. Ndongo achieved season highs of 17 points and 14 rebounds. In the crucial national championship game, he sealed Putnam’s victory by sinking two free throws with one second remaining while also contributing 14 points and five rebounds.

Before attending Putnam, Ndongo spent the first half of the 2022–2023 season, as well as the entire 2021–2022 season, at Denver High School in Colorado. Before that, he spent two years at the Darrow School in Lebanon, New York.

Ndongo even participated in the 2021 World Cup on an international level for Senegal’s U19 squad, averaging 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds across seven games. He recorded two double-doubles. Senegal prevailed against Latvia, averaging 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks, and Argentina, averaging 14 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists.

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With such an impressive resume, one can expect Ndongo to make a successful run in CAA and elevate the status of Georgia Tech in the near future. With his amazing form, he could rise into a most promising NBA prospect.