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NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 4 teams in play for 5-star forward Mackenzie Mgbako

Mar 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East forward Mackenzie Mgbako (24) stands on the court during the first half against the McDonald's All American West at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East forward Mackenzie Mgbako (24) stands on the court during the first half against the McDonald's All American West at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
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Duke Basketball
NCAA Basketball MacKenzie Mgbako (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

So far this NCAA Basketball offseason, there have been plenty of class of 2023 prospects that have opted to de-commit from their respective teams. Over 10 have done so since the start of the offseason but no bigger name did so than MacKenzie Mgbako.

Not only is Mgbako the top incoming freshman available barring a surprise reclass, but he’s also simply one of the most talented NCAA Basketball prospects in the entire class. Mgbako is a consensus five-star recruit and is ranked in the top 10. He’s a legit two-way talent, listed at 6’8 and 210 pounds.

Athletic enough and a good enough shooter, Mgbako is a potential matchup nightmare at either the small or power forward positions. He’s a projected future 1st round NBA Draft pick and not someone that’s likely to stay in NCAA Basketball very long.

The hope was that Mgbako would be at Duke and was a long-time commitment. However, the decisions by both Mark Mitchell and Kyle Filipowski to come back for another season have affected his potential minutes next year as a freshman, forcing a tough decision to part ways.

Mgbako instantly got plenty of interest from power conference teams everywhere. The New Jersey native looks to have settled on a list of finalists for his next landing spot.

It’s an interesting situation going on for all parties because these teams are still out there in the transfer portal and going after forwards as well. But it looks like visits are being lined up and one of them could end up with Mgbako.

Here’s a closer look at how he’d fit with each of them.