Kansas basketball: Mackenzie Mgbako to visit KU Jayhawks this week

After finishing his visit to St. John’s, ex-Duke commit and five-star recruit Mackenzie Mgbako is set to visit Kansas basketball next.

The Kansas Jayhawks have just one scholarship remaining for their basketball roster, but they are examining several players that could enhance next year’s team. One of them is top-10 recruit Mackenzie Mgbako.

Mgbako is a do it all type of player. He is widely regarded as one of the best shooters in the Class of 2023, and at 6-foot-8 inches and 210 pounds, he can get to the rim at will.

He was the leading scorer and best player for Roselle Catholic, who won the state championship in New Jersey. Although he was initially committed to playing for Duke, he decommitted after the news broke that Kyle Filipowski would return for another year with the Blue Devils. Mgbako re-opened his recruitment and scheduled visits with four schools.

St. John’s and new head coach Rick Pitino hosted Mgbako’s first official visit since he requested a release from his NLI. They offer proximity to home, and the addition of Pitino cannot be negative.

Next up on his list of schools: Kansas. He is the ideal player for next year’s Jayhawks, as he offers a combination of shooting, size, and intensity that most players cannot match. If KU can open up a roster spot and bring him along with Hunter Dickinson, the team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2023-24.

After his visit with Bill Self and company, Mgbako is expected to meet with Louisville and Indiana. The Cardinals were considered the original favorites to land Mgbako because of his connection with Nolan Smith, who won a national championship at Duke and now serves as an assistant coach for Louisville.

He is still very early in his recruitment process, so do not expect an announcement any time soon.