Kansas Jayhawks trending for 5-star SF Mackenzie Mgbako

Gladstone (N.J.) Roselle Catholic five-star small forward Mackenzie Mgbako is announcing his commitment on May 12 and choosing between Indiana and Kansas. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Jayhawks are leading for Mgbako at 49.0% following an expert prediction from On3’s Jamie Shaw.

Mgbako is the No. 12 overall prospect and No. 5 small forward in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 3 player in New Jersey.

Mgbako took an official visit to Kansas on May 1. The Jayhawks’ 2023 recruiting class currently has commitments from four high school players: South Kent (Conn.) South Kent School four-star point guard Elmarko Jackson, Montverde (Fla.) Montverde Academy four-star point guard Chris Johnson, Manvel (Texas) four-star small forward Jamari McDowell and Harbor City (Calif.) Nathaniel Narbonne small forward Marcus Adams Jr.

The Jayhawks have also added three players from the transfer portal. They are former Michigan All-American center Hunter Dickinson, former Texas point guard Arterio Morris and former Towson shooting guard Nick Timberlake.

A 6-foot-8, 210-pound recruit, Mgbako originally signed with Duke. However, he requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with the Blue Devils on April 11. 

“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,” Mgbako told On3’s Joe Tipton. “… 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.”

Mackenzie Mgbako Scouting Summary

“It is all about the jump shot with Mackenzie Mgbako. 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.”