Indiana Basketball: Impact of Hoosiers landing 5-star forward Mackenzie Mgbako

It’s been an incredibly busy offseason for Indiana Basketball, knowing that it had to replace a ton of production in its starting lineup. Star forward and leading scorer Trayce Jackson-Davis is off to the pros, along with freshman and projected 1st-round NBA Draft pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino.

Coach Mike Woodson was busy in the transfer portal early on, landing three frontcourt transfers. The first was Ball State center Payton Sparks, followed by former five-star prospect, Kel’el Ware from Oregon. Reserve forward Anthony Walker rounded out the first group of pickups to rebuild the frontcourt.

But after missing out on a few recruiting targets, the Hoosiers’ roster was starting to look shaky. Yet one more option came up in Mackenzie Mgbako, a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class that was initially committed to the Duke Blue Devils. He and they parted ways and before Ron Holland left Texas, he was the top available incoming freshman.

Indiana became one of four programs seriously in the mix for the 6’8 combo forward. At one point, both St. John’s and Louisville were viewed as favorites to land Mgbako. Turned out that the biggest threat to the Hoosiers was the Kansas Jayhawks. In the past 72 hours before a commitment, it looked as if the Big 12 juggernaut was going to land him. But like most recruiting battles, a surprise was in store.

It’s a massive pickup for Indiana Basketball, one that could turn them into a contender in the Big Ten next season. Mgbako is the third incoming freshman for the Hoosiers, joining four-star prospects, Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton.

There’s plenty to take away from this announcement, for the player, team, and Big Ten overall. Here are my thoughts on Mackenzie Mgbako going to Indiana.