Kansas basketball: Analyzing the two schools in play for Mackenzie Mgbako
Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12)
2022-23 record: 28-8 (13-5), 1st in Big 12, lost in Round of 32 to Arkansas
Returning contributors:
PG Dajuan Harris (8.9 PPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 47.1% FG)
PF KJ Adams (10.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 62.2% FG)
Key additions:
C Hunter Dickinson (Michigan, transfer)
CG Nick Timberlake (Towson, transfer)
CG Elmarko Jackson (5-star recruit)
CG Arterio Morris (Texas, transfer)
F Marcus Adams Jr. (4-star recruit)
We know that Kansas is a blue-blood program. We know they just acquired the best player in the transfer portal. We know they will be a top-three team in next year’s preseason rankings. But does this matter at all to Mgbako?
As I mentioned in the previous slide, by no means does Kansas “need” Mgbako for next year’s team. Would he make them better? Obviously. But when you have a Hall of Fame head coach that just coached a team with the worst bench of all Power 5 programs to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, KU will be fine with or without him.
However, Mgbako just puts this team over the top if Kansas acquires him. The Jayhawks have a total of six guards on next year’s roster and only one wing player. They could probably get away with a lack of size now that they have a 7-foot-1 dominant post-scoring big man, but Mgbako offers shot-making, an elite jumper, and athleticism in addition to his 6-foot-8 frame.
The fact that Indiana is competing with KU for a player of his caliber is good news for them on its own. However, if I had to predict it, Mgbako will commit to Kansas on Friday. Despite what some Hoosier fans might believe, he would be guaranteed playing time under Bill Self. Our frontcourt is steeper than one might think. Mgbako is the cherry on top for the Jayhawks to become the best team in the country going into 2023.
Next. Five reasons to be excited about Hunter Dickinson. dark
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