Mackenzie Mgbako, a 6-foot-8 forward from Roselle Catholic in New Jersey, committed to the Indiana Hoosiers in May 2023, marking a significant milestone for the program. Initially a five-star recruit for the 2023 class, Mgbako had signed with Duke but requested a release from his National Letter of Intent in April 2023. Following his decommitment, he considered several programs, including Kansas, St. John’s, and Louisville, before choosing Indiana over Kansas .([si.com][1], [on3.com][2], [si.com][3])
Mgbako’s decision was influenced by his belief that Indiana head coach Mike Woodson could provide the environment and support necessary for his development. He expressed confidence that the coaching staff would help him expand and develop his game, citing the unmatched environment at Indiana and the possibility of achieving big things and creating a winning culture .([bleacherreport.com][4], [on3.com][2])
During his high school career, Mgbako showcased his skills by averaging 16.5 points and 7.6 rebounds during the summer of 2022 while playing on the Nike EYBL circuit. He also scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Nike Hoop Summit for the World Select team . His commitment to Indiana was seen as a significant recruiting win for Coach Woodson, marking the arrival of the program’s highest-ranked recruit since Romeo Langford in 2018 .([si.com][3], [si.com][5])
Mgbako joined a 2023 recruiting class that included four-star guards Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton, as well as transfers Kel’el Ware, Anthony Walker, and Payton Sparks. His addition was expected to provide immediate impact, particularly in scoring, rebounding, and passing, addressing the Hoosiers’ need for a versatile forward .([insidethehall.com][6], [si.com][7])
However, Mgbako’s tenure at Indiana was relatively short-lived. In March 2025, he entered the transfer portal while also considering the NBA draft. He cited the coaching changes at Indiana, following the resignation of Coach Woodson and the hiring of Darian DeVries, as factors influencing his decision to explore other opportunities .([reuters.com][8])
Ultimately, Mgbako committed to Texas A\&M for the 2025–26 basketball season, concluding his journey with the Hoosiers . His time at Indiana, though brief, highlighted the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent and underscored the dynamic nature of college basketball recruiting.([aseaofblue.com][9], [sportupnow.co.uk][10])
[1]: https://www.si.com/high-school/recruiting/2023/05/12/mackenzie-mgbako-commits-to-the-indiana-hoosiers?utm_source=chatgpt.com “si.com/high-school/recru…”
[2]: https://www.on3.com/college/indiana-hoosiers/news/indiana-basketball-mackenzie-mgbako-commits-to-hoosiers-former-duke-signee/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “5-star SF Mackenzie Mgbako, former Duke signee, commits to Indiana – On3”
[3]: https://www.si.com/college/2023/05/12/mackenzie-mgbako-former-duke-five-star-signee-announces-commitment-indiana?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mackenzie Mgbako, Former Duke Five-Star Signee, Commits to Indiana – Sports Illustrated”
[4]: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10075894-5-star-pf-mackenzie-mgbako-commits-to-indiana-over-kansas-after-duke-decommit?utm_source=chatgpt.com “5-Star PF Mackenzie Mgbako Commits to Indiana over Kansas After Duke Decommit | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report”
[5]: https://www.si.com/college/indiana/basketball/five-star-recruit-mackenzie-mgbako-picks-indiana-over-kansas-joins-hoosiers-for-2023-24-season?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Five-Star Mackenzie Mgbako Picks Indiana Over Kansas, Joins Hoosiers For 2023-24 Season – Sports Illustrated Indiana Hoosiers News, Analysis and More”
[6]: https://www.insidethehall.com/2023/05/12/class-of-2023-five-star-forward-mackenzie-mgbako-commits-to-indiana/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “insidethehall.com/2023/0…”
[7]: https://www.si.com/college/indiana/basketball/tom-brew-my-two-cents-times-are-changing-at-indiana-with-mackenzie-mgbako-commitment?utm_source=chatgpt.com “My Two Cents: Times Are Changing at Indiana With Mgbako Commitment – Sports Illustrated Indiana Hoosiers News, Analysis and More”
[8]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/indiana-f-mackenzie-mgbako-enters-transfer-portal-2025-03-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Indiana F Mackenzie Mgbako enters transfer portal”
[9]: https://www.aseaofblue.com/2025/4/17/24400005/mackenzie-mgbako-commits-texas-am-aggies-basketball?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mackenzie Mgbako commits to Texas A&M”
[10]: https://sportupnow.co.uk/2025/03/04/breaking-news-mackenzie-mgbako-has-reached-a-205-8m-deal-decommited-from-new-indiana-hoosiers-and-flipped-commitment-to-kansas-jayhawks-basketball/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Breaking News: Mackenzie Mgbako Has Reached A $205.8m Deal decommited From New Indiana Hoosiers and flipped Commitment to Kansa
s Jayhawks basketball…”
