Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas basketball: Analyzing the two schools in play for Mackenzie Mgbako

By Joshua Schulman

Gill St. Bernard's Mackenzie Mgbako (right) moves the ball against Hunterdon Central's Kevin Adams during their game on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.Gill St. Bernard's Hunterdon Central boys basketball
Gill St. Bernard's Mackenzie Mgbako (right) moves the ball against Hunterdon Central's Kevin Adams during their game on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.Gill St. Bernard's Hunterdon Central boys basketball /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)

2022-23 record: 23-12 (12-8), 2nd in Big Ten, lost in Round of 32 to Miami

Returning contributors:
PG Xavier Johnson (9.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 41.5% FG)
PF Malik Reneau (6.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 55.3% FG)
CG Trey Galloway (6.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 46.2% 3PT)

Key additions:
C Kel’el Ware (Oregon, transfer)
F Anthony Walker (Miami, transfer)
C Payton Sparks (Ball State, transfer)

If there is one thing that Indiana can offer that Kansas cannot, it is the keys to the offense. With Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino departing to the NBA, Mgbako would immediately become one of the top scorers for the Hoosiers. Mike Woodson can guarantee him playing time and a spot in the starting rotation.

IU is undergoing a roster overhaul, returning just one starter from last year’s team — two if you count Xavier Johnson before he was injured. Although they squandered a considerable amount of talent, the additions of Ware and Walker should soften the blow of losing two All-Big Ten players. They are connected to other transfer portal players (Jordan Dingle?) and have two scholarships remaining, as do the Jayhawks.

Mgbako is far more paramount for the Hoosiers than he is for Kansas. Whereas he would arguably become the best player on the team at IU, he might be the third or fourth-best player at KU. Kansas is also in an excellent position to win the conference and contend for a national title even without Mgbako.

It is hard to say which decision is better for Mgbako’s long-term career. Does he want to be “the guy” with Indiana and have more offensive freedom, or does he want to prove to NBA scouts that he can play within a system and maintain a consistent role? Both schools have compelling arguments as to why they would be good for him. It will not be an easy decision whatsoever.

Home/Kansas Basketball Recruiting