Elite Hoops Recruit, Former Duke Commit Announces He’s Signed With New Top Program

Former Duke commit Mackenzie Mgbako has committed to Indiana, according to Joe Tipton of On3.com

Mgbako, a five-star prospect among small forwards in the 2023 class, said he chose to play for Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson because of his belief in Woodson’s ability to further grow his game, in addition to the environment at Indiana.

“I chose IU because I felt that Coach [Mike] Woodson can put me in a position to expand and develop my game,” Mgbako told On3. “The environment at Indiana is unmatched. It’s a place where I felt support from the coaching staff and fans. With Indiana and it’s roster, there’s a great possibility to achieve big things and create a winning culture.”

Mgbako’s commitment comes more than a month after the 6’ 8” forward formally requested a release from his National Letter of Intent to join Duke. After decommiting from Duke, Mgbako chose Indiana over Kansas, St. John’s and Louisville.

pic.twitter.com/VsRI3RQvbo

— Mackenzie Mgbako (@MackenzieMgbako) April 11, 2023

The 2023 McDonald's All-American joins an Indiana program that has brought in two additional four-star commitments in the 2023 class in Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton. Woodson also reeled in three players from the transfer portal in Kel’el Ware, who previously played at Oregon, Anthony Walker from Miami and former Ball State center Payton Sparks.

The Roselle Catholic (New Jersey) product recently scored 22 points and eight rebounds in the Nike Hoop Summit for the World Select team and averaged 16.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in the summer of 2022 while playing on the Nike EYBL circuit.