Duke Basketball hosts 5-star recruits Caleb Foster and Makenzie Mgbako

Duke Basketball continues to be busy on the recruiting trail as they hosted 2023 5-star point guard Caleb Foster and 2023 5-star Mackenzie Mgbago this past week.

John Scheyer’s tenure as Duke’s head coach is still months away from officially getting underway, but he is off to a fantastic start in terms of formulating a roster. The Blue Devils have already received three verbal commits — 5-star wing Dariq Whitehead, 5-star center Kyle Filapowski and 4-star combo guard Jaden Schutt, who gave his pledge on September 2. They are also high on the list of a few of their other top 2022 targets, including Derrick Lively, Mark Mitchell, Anthony Black, and JJ Starling.

Duke continued its good recruiting vibes as the Blue Devils hosted a pair of top prospects over the last few days. The Blue Devils hosted a pair of top 2023 prospects Caleb Foster and Mackenzie Mgbago, for official visits recited. Both players are top targets of the Devils.

Mgbago, a consensus top-13 player in the class, visited the Durham campus for the first time on Sept. 3. However, he has already developed a relationship with Scheyer, according to 247Sports recruiting analyst Dushawn London.

"“Coach Scheyer was the one who reached out to me and we’ve had good contact,” said Mgbago, who was offered a scholarship by the Blue Devils on June 21.” For him to reach out knowing he’ll be the head coach felt really surreal I didn’t believe it. I’m just living my dream right now.”"

The 6-7 small forward is ranked No. 6 in 2023 by 247Sports Composite and No. 13 by 247Sports. Rivals have him at No. 3 in their rankings, while ESPN has him at No. 5.

Mgbago is becoming more versatile as his game grows. The 6-8 forward can put the ball on the floor, distribute, and can really shoot it from deep. He also has a strong athletic body.

The New Jersey native holds over 15 offers from Auburn, UConn, George Washington, Georgetown, North Carolina, and others.

Foster, a consensus top-20 recruit, also started his visit on Sept. 3. The Blue Devils have reportedly been tracking Foster’s progress for a while and watched him closely during the recent NBA Top 100 Camp. He has been in touch with Scheyer and assistant Nolan Smith quite often, per 247Sports.

"“Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith have been recruiting me from there,” Foster said. “They have a great program with a great history. I cannot wait to see what happens for them.”"

The 6-5 point guard is ranked as the No. 12 prospect in the class of 2023 by 247Sports Composite and No. 19 by 247Sports.  Meanwhile, Rivals has Foster ranked No. 13, and ESPN tabs him at No. 11. Here is a scouting report on the Harrisburg (NC) product by 247Sports Brandon Jenkins.

"“Foster is a tough and smart point guard with terrific size for the position. He has a mature floor game which is shown in his court demeanor and savvy. He plays with excellent poise and pace and makes sound decisions with the basketball. He has all the tools needed to run a team. Foster is not explosive off the bounce by any means, but he owns a solid skillset in how he can get where he needs to on the floor and can score from all three levels. He makes open threes and pull-up jumpers alike. His release on his jumper is a tad slow but he knocks down the open long-range jumper with regularity when his feet are set. He additionally has a good acumen for the other side of the ball as he utilizes his frame and plays angles to guard the basketball.”"

Foster holds at least 20 offers; however, Duke is currently considered the favorite, with North Carolina, thought to be the biggest challenger.

Clemson, Tennessee, North Carolina State, South Carolina, and Louisville are among the others that have offered.