BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana’s talented freshman forward, announced on Saturday that he is ”running it back’ with the Hoosiers for his sophomore season in 2024-25.
Mgbako, a 6-foot-8 forward from Gladstone, N.J., averaged 12.4 points per game as a freshman. He came to Bloomington this time a year ago after decommitting from Duke. He was hoping to be NBA ready after one season, but it took him time to get comfortable with the college game, especially on the defensive end.
A McDonald’s All American last year, it took some time to blend in on the offensive end as well. But he scored in double figures in 16 of his final 18 games, including three 20-point performances. He had a season-high 24 points at Maryland on March 3, and also scored 20 and 22 points in back-to-back games against Northwestern and Nebraska.
Mgbako was named co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He led the team with 50 made three-pointers this year; Trey Gallowaty was next with 26. Mgbako was 50-for-153 on the year from deep, good for 32.7 percent. He was 18-for-44 — 40.9 percent — in his final seven regular season games, but was just 1-for-10 on threes in Indiana’s two Big Ten Tournament games.
He led all Big Ten freshman in total points (377), points per game (12.2), 20-point games (3) and made free throws (82).
Mgbako is the sixth Hoosier to announce his return for next year. Seniors Trey Galloway and Anthony said they would return for their fifth COVID season at Senior Day. Sophomore Malik Reneau, anc freshmen Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton said the same this week.
Indiana also added to its roster earlier this week after getting a commitment from five-star small forward Bryson Tucker to the 2024 recruiting class. With center Kel’el Ware announcing he is entering the NBA draft, the Hoosiers still have six roster spots available.
Mackenzie Mgbako is a highly talented basketball player known for his versatility on the court. As of my last update in January 2022, he was a standout prospect in the class of 2023, drawing attention from numerous college basketball programs. Standing at around 6 feet 8 inches tall, Mgbako possesses a combination of size, athleticism, and skill that make him a formidable player on both ends of the floor.
His ability to score from various positions on the court, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions has made him a coveted recruit among college coaches. Mgbako has demonstrated proficiency in shooting from the perimeter, attacking the basket, and finishing plays above the rim. Moreover, his defensive prowess and shot-blocking abilities add to his value as a prospect.
Mgbako had been actively involved in the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) circuit, showcasing his talents against other top prospects from around the country. His performances in high school and AAU competitions have garnered significant attention from scouts, analysts, and basketball enthusiasts alike.
As with any young prospect, Mgbako’s development and future career trajectory will depend on various factors, including his continued growth, skill refinement, and ability to adapt to higher levels of competition. He has the potential to make a significant impact at the collegiate level and beyond, depending on his progression and dedication to the game.
For the latest updates on Mackenzie Mgbako’s career, including his college commitment and subsequent achievements, it’s advisable to check recent sports news or his official social media channels.
As of my last update in January 2022, Mackenzie Mgbako was a highly touted high school basketball prospect from New Jersey, USA. At that time, he was considered one of the top players in the class of 2023. Mgbako, a versatile forward, had drawn attention from several top college basketball programs and was expected to have a bright future in the sport. However, for the most recent updates on his career or any developments since January 2022, I recommend checking recent sports news or Mackenzie Mgbako’s official social media profiles for the latest information.
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