AP Photo/Gregory Payan
Mackenzie Mgbako, a 5-star recruit ranked eighth on the 247Sports composite list of the top 2023 men’s basketball prospects, has committed to Indiana over Louisville, St. John’s and Kansas after previously decommitting from Duke.
“The environment and support from the city was what caught my attention on my visit,” Mgbako said regarding the Indiana commit, per Dushawn London of 247Sports. “They are really invested in the well-being of their players and have unwavering support for them.”
Per John Patrick Felts, the head of digital engagement for the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mgbako is the Hoosiers’ second-highest-rated recruit ever in the 247 Sports era behind only Romeo Langford.
Mgbako also raved about Indiana head coach Mike Woodson regarding his decision.
“I chose IU because I felt that Coach Woodson can put me in a position to expand and develop my game,” Mgbako told Joe Tipton of On3.
“The environment at Indiana is unmatched. It’s a place where I felt support from the coaching staff and fans. With Indiana and its roster, there’s a great possibility to achieve big things and create a winning culture.”
The 6’8″, 210-pound forward requested to be released from his national letter of intent with Duke on April 11. He now joins a strong Hoosiers class of 2023 that includes a pair of 4-star guards in Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton as well as three big men transfers in Anthony Walker, Kel’el Ware and Payton Sparks.
Mgbako is confident in Indiana’s chances this year, saying, per London, that he thinks Indiana can win the Big Ten.
“I’m excited to play with them,” Mgbako said. “We have been in contact and built a good relationship off the court, so on the court it’s going to be great chemistry. We have good size and talented guards. So, with that combination and coach Woodson’s coaching, I believe we can win a conference championship this season.”
The McDonald’s All-American played high school ball at Roselle Catholic (New Jersey) and helped lead the team to a state title in the Non-Public Group B bracket. Now he’ll make the leap to Indiana as Mgbako joins a Hoosiers squad with plenty of potential for next year.
