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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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Kansas redshirt junior forward Jalen Wilson
Kansas redshirt junior forward Jalen Wilson

Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers have been very busy in the transfer portal this offseason but exclusively in the frontcourt. They landed Ball State center Payton Sparks, Oregon center Kel’el Ware and most recently, Anthony Walker from Miami. With former five-star prospect Malik Reneau still on board, the frontcourt is full.

The three-spot is open and that would be where Mgbako plays mostly if he picks Indiana. He’s capable of playing that position but would that be where he plays in the NBA? The lack of position versatility is concerning but it’s still very appealing to play for such a national program in the Hoosiers.

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas has landed a couple of big perimeter newcomers in Nick Timberlake and Arterio Morris but so far, they haven’t landed a frontcourt player. Their focus is on Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson but as he looks at both Kentucky and Villanova, their odds may be dropping to land him.

Unlike Indiana, the Jayhawks have plenty of available room at the forward positions, and seeing how Jalen Wilson transformed into an All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year makes Kansas, which already is extremely appealing, even more. Mgbako would be a great fit alongside forward KJ Adams and if they’re not getting Dickinson, should go all-in on this prospect.