5-star Mackenzie Mgbako commits to Duke Blue Devils

Jon Scheyer does it again. The Blue Devils have landed their fifth commitment in the 2023 class, this time in Mackenzie Mgbako.

The 6-foot-8 small forward out of Gladstone (N.J.) Gill St. Bernard is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus. He chose the Blue Devils over Kentucky, Ohio State, and Memphis.

Mgbako, a five-star recruit, joins Tyrese Proctor (who just committed yesterday), Sean Stewart, Jared McCain, and Caleb Foster — all of whom are top-25 prospects.

Mgbako breaks down his decision

Mgbako’s commitment to Duke has seemed inevitably for months and months. Rumors swirled like a tornado after he visited Duke last September with Caleb Foster. Foster committed to the Blue Devils within a few weeks of returning home, and it seemed like only a waiting game for Mgabko to follow. The commitment didn’t become official until over six months later, but in the back of his mind, the New Jersey native always knew where he wanted to go.

“When I first got there (on the visit), I immediately knew,” Mgbako explained. “I just had to see all of my options and think about it strategically because I didn’t want to jump the gun or anything. So I just waited to see how the season went, waited to see how the relationships with other schools went, and I just felt like Duke was the best decision for me, with education and athletics.”

Most recruits will tell you that having a relationship with the head coach is vital in making a decision. It’s the same case here with Mgbako, however, his relationship with Jon Scheyer extends even off the court.

“(Coach Scheyer) is like a best friend to me and a coach at the same time,” Mgbako said. “He pushes me to be the best version of myself. We can talk about anything. That’s really good, when you can have an on-court relationship, and off-court.”

If you follow Duke basketball even remotely closely, then you’ve heard of the Blue Devils being referred to as “The Brotherhood.” Mgbako says the camaraderie in Durham is real.

“(The Brotherhood) is different, that’s facts. It’s an inclusiveness, a family-oriented, and just the atmosphere. That’s what sets it apart.”

What will Mgbako bring to the Blue Devils?

“I’m going to bring a 6-8 wing who can put it on the ground and push in transition, take good shots, and shoot a high percentage.”

Scouting Report

“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. Past the jump shot, Mgbako attacks closeouts in a straight line. His handle is average, his hips seem a little stiff, and he is a slightly above average athlete. Despite each of these being a concern moving forward, the shooting and the confidence are very real traits here and he rebounds his area. Mgbako has consistently performed at a high level is big settings.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst