Mike Woodson and Indiana just landed one of the most highly coveted recruits in the Class of 2023 — forward Mackenzie Mgbako. It might come as a stunner to Kansas basketball fans.
Players have been transferring from the Kansas Jayhawks left and right, but Bill Self was unable to acquire his second most desired offseason acquisition. KU missed out on what would have been a vital piece to its championship-hopeful roster.
Mgbako, a native of Gladstone, New Jersey, is a former Duke commit who decided to go through the recruitment process once again. The return of star big man Kyle Filipowski made him rethink which school he wanted to play at.
After much reflection, he decided to cut his list to two and cancel his visit to Louisville. Kansas and Indiana were his remaining schools of consideration, and he ultimately went with the Hoosiers and head coach Mike Woodson.
Indiana went 23-12 in 2022-23, finishing second in the Big Ten and losing in the Round of 32 to Miami (FL). They lost a considerable amount of talent to the NBA Draft, such as Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino, but immediately become one of the best schools in the conference again after adding Mgbako.
Five-Star prospect Mackenzie Mgbako has committed to Indiana, per his IG page.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 12, 2023
Mgbako projects to be a first-round draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and has the chance to be an exceptional one-and-done talent. According to 247 Sports, he is the No. 8-ranked recruit in his class and the No. 2-ranked power forward.
During his four years in high school, he scored 1,202 points, made 122 three-pointers, and blocked 89 shots in 72 games. Mgbako spent three years at Gill St. Bernard’s before transferring to Roselle Catholic for this past season. He led his school to the New Jersey Non-Public B state championship as a senior, averaging just over 16 points per game.
RELATED: Analyzing the two schools in play for Mgbako
It is a bummer for Kansas fans who thought he was a lock to come to Lawrence. The Jayhawks have just one player taller than 6-foot-7 on the roster, and he is 6-foot-8. Mgbako would have presented a lethal three-point ability, exceptional size, and athleticism to this year’s team.
KU fans would have been thrilled to add Mgbako to this loaded squad, but the 2023-24 Kansas Jayhawks will still come into the year with massive championship aspirations. There are still other players in the transfer portal who can be difference-makers on the team. With that being said, this move does sting a lot.
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