5-star SF Mackenzie Mgbako, former Duke signee, commits to Indiana

Mackenzie Mgbako, a five-star small forward in the class of 2023, has committed to Indiana, he told On3.

“I chose IU because I felt that Coach Woodson can put me in a position to expand and develop my game,” he said to On3. “The environment at Indiana is unmatched. It’s a place where I felt support from the coaching staff and fans. With Indiana and it’s roster, there’s a great possibility to achieve big things and create a winning culture.”

The 6-foot-8, 210-pound senior was previously signed with Duke, but requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with the Blue Devils on April 11. This time around, the Hoosiers beat out the Kansas Jayhawks. St. John’s and Louisville were also considered.

Mgbako provided the following message to On3 after deciding to decommit from Duke and reopen his recruitment last month:

“After long thought, prayers and discussions with my parents and trusted advisors, I am writing to formally request a release from my NLI to Duke University.

“While I have great appreciation and respect for the Duke coaching staff and fans for their interest in me, I feel that there will be other places for me to continue my basketball journey, so I will be re-opening the recruiting process to all schools. Sending a big thanks to all my supporters, friends, and family for continuing to show love.”

Mgbako becomes the third high school commitment for Indiana in the 2023 cycle. He joins four-star point guard Gabe Cupps (No. 101) and four-star combo guard Jakai Newton (No. 122). The Hoosiers have also landed three transfers — Kel’el Ware from Oregon, Anthony Walker from Miami, and Payton Sparks from Ball State.

Mgbako ranks as the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Mackenzie Mgbako Scouting Summary

“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 national recruiting analyst