Find out how other Jayhawks fans reacted to Mackenzie Mgbako choosing to play for Indiana over Kansas basketball.
The Kansas Jayhawks missed out on one of the best available players yesterday when Mackenzie Mgbako committed to Indiana. After cutting St. John’s and Louisville from his list, he ultimately decided to head to Bloomington instead of Lawrence for his freshman year.
Mgbako had been committed to Duke for months until Kyle Filipowski announced he would return to school for another year. That decision led Mgbako to request a release from his NLI and re-open his recruitment process.
As a senior in high school, the New Jersey native led Roselle Catholic to a Non-Public B state championship while averaging just over 16 points per game. Mike Woodson and company picked up a tremendous talent who should bolster their roster next year.
RELATED: Analyzing the two schools in play for Mgbako
On Twitter and other social media platforms, Jayhawk and Hoosier fans engaged in Twitter quarrels as his decision loomed nearer. Heated words were exchanged. It is safe to say that Indiana came out on top of this clash.
These are the reactions of some Jayhawks fans after the news dropped.
Kansas misses out on Mackenzie Mgbako after losing Ernest Udeh a day ago…not a good look at all #kubball
— JayhawkFocus (@JayhawkFocus) May 12, 2023
Mgbako would have been a lot of fun at Kansas. He also is going to have a bigger role at Indiana. It would have been great to get him, but tough to say he made the wrong choice. He’s going to be a star in his one year in Bloomington.
— Rock Chalk Blog (@RockChalkBlog) May 13, 2023
The Mgbako decision was both disappointing and surprising.
— Rock Chalk Podcast (@RockChalkPod) May 13, 2023
I was informed that the news was a shock to multiple members of the Kansas staff, who as of this morning were expecting a commitment for the Jayhawks.
That being said, recruiting ain't over until they sign on the line.
Wow - KU's roster situation just got a WHOLE lot more interesting after missing out on Mgbako....they must have thrown the bag at him at Indiana.
— Dillon Davis (@dillondavis3) May 12, 2023
Big miss by the #KUbball staff.
As expected, fans were taken aback by the announcement. Analysts had considered Mgbako a lock to attend Kansas for several days.
Let’s look at some reactions of Indiana fans after Mgbako committed.
Man… apparently lawrence Kansas is a bit salty at the moment 😜
— Hoosier Haze (@HoosierHaze) May 12, 2023
The Indiana/Kansas game in Assembly Hall this December is going to be LIT 🔴⚪️🏀 #iubb
— Billy Mullin (@mullin_billy) May 12, 2023
The roster still has some skill holes … but my goodness the length and athleticism IU will be able to throw at people next season is mind-boggling.
— Assembly Call (⚪,🔴) (@AssemblyCall) May 13, 2023
And while there will likely be early growing pains, the potential for growth into February and March is massive. #iubb
He Closed… 🔴⚪️ #iubb pic.twitter.com/et721n1Mrg
— IU Report (@iu_report) May 12, 2023
Understandably, Hoosier fans were thrilled about adding Mgbako. Not only did they add a premier recruit, but they beat out a blue-blood program in the process. Jayhawks fans will have to forfeit the social media competitions until Kansas plays at Indiana in December. That is when the real trash-talking can begin.
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