5-star Friday: Mackenzie Mgbako commits to Indiana over Kansas

It’s time for the Mike and Mack Show.

On Friday, 2023 5-star forward Mackenzie Mgbako announced his commitment to Indiana, joining Mike Woodson and the Hoosiers for the 2023-24 season. Mgbako, a McDonald’s All-American who left Duke in early April, chose IU over Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Mgbako’s commitment leaves one scholarship spot open for the Hoosiers, after Xavier Johnson’s return and the portal additions of Ke’lel Ware, Payton Sparks, and Anthony Walker. Mgbako joins Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton as incoming freshmen to Indiana University this fall.

Today is decision day for Mackenzie Mgbako, a top-ten player in the national class of 2023.

Skilled, shooting forward with a college-ready body. pic.twitter.com/VMjjv6ckb8
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) May 12, 2023

Mgbako attended Roselle Catholic High School in Gladstone, NJ for a season, after spending time at Gill St. Bernard’s School in the same town. Mgbako originally signed a national letter of intent with Duke, before opting out in April after the return of a number of Blue Devils to the Duke program, limiting his playing time.

Mgbako visited Indiana the weekend of May 5. In comments to Dushawn London of 247Sports, Mgbako referenced how Hoosier Nation welcomed him with open arms.

Mackenzie Mgbako to @DushawnLondon1 and @247sports:

“The environment and support from the city was what caught my attention on my visit. They are really invested in the well-being of their players and have unwavering support for them.”

More in the story below. #iubb https://t.co/zkoDMUFHWt
— IndianaHQ  (@IndianaHQ) May 12, 2023

Mgbako will likely slot in as Indiana’s starting small forward for this upcoming season. Of course, there are still six months before tipoff against Florida Gulf Coast at Assembly Hall.

Early prediction on Indiana's 2023-24 starting five:

Xavier Johnson, Trey Galloway, Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau, Kel'el Ware https://t.co/tUoQ1DtjeT

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 12, 2023

As far as a scouting report, many of the recruiting publications and sites have praised Mgbako’s well-rounded game, leading to his five-star designation.

Jamie Shaw of On3 had the following comments: “It is all about the jump shot. The release is consistent, high, and soft. Mgbako steps into it confidently off the catch and his balance is right on. Then you see the positional size at 6-foot-8/6-foot-9 and you see the attraction.

247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein dissected Mgbako’s game as well: “His shot-making from behind the arc is his best asset. He can also make the types of shots that translate to the next level – pick-and-pop threes, slipping out of ball screens to make shots on the move, or creating space with a series of side-step or step-back shots.”

Videos of Mackenzie Mgbako