2023 SF/PF Mackenzie Mgbako to INDI-F’N-ANA

[Demo 20,317]

47 minutes ago, HoosierHoopster said:

Melo giving high praise to Woodson, really couldn't be better than that

Feel completely confident saying that without Anthony this one doesn’t happen.

[ebridges24 2,443]

I'm lazy and don't want to resesarch, where do the prognosticators have him going in the draft?

 

[Adillac 953]

I think mid-late 1st round is what I remember reading awhile back.

[HoosierHoopster 7,111]

21 minutes ago, Adillac said:

I think mid-late 1st round is what I remember reading awhile back.

Which is likely to change as it did with JHS, assuming health and that he continues to develop during the year as projected.
With his shooting / scoring ability together with the already demonstrated ability to put it on the floor, pretty confident he’ll be a featured scorer for us, the scouts will see him early like they did JHS, and his stock should continue to rise  through the year 

[ebridges24 2,443]

On 9/21/2023 at 1:33 PM, Adillac said:

I think mid-late 1st round is what I remember reading awhile back.

Thank you

[DChoosier 8,608]

On 9/21/2023 at 1:28 PM, ebridges24 said:

I'm lazy and don't want to resesarch, where do the prognosticators have him going in the draft?

 

Hoopshype did a compilation of draft projections of different services.

MM’s highest ranking was being the 14th pick while his lowest was not going in the first round.

Ware’s highest ranking was as the 11th pick while his lowest was not being drafted in the first round.

[go iu bb 6,236]

https://themessenger.com/sports/mens-college-basketball-2023-ncaa-top-freshmen

Mackenzie Mgbako, 6-foot-8, 217 lbs., F, Indiana — Two years ago, I thought he was the No. 1 player in the class. Initially, he was slated to go to Duke but wound up in Bloomington. He’s a combo forward who has a versatile offensive game, and Mike Woodson will need him to be able to shoot it from long distance this season.

[Class of '66 Old Fart 85,021]

Eric Bossi on what to expect from 5-star freshman.

247Sports rank: No. 10

What to expect: Originally headed to Duke, Mackenzie Mgbako changed his mind in the spring and (much to the delight of Hoosier Nation) ended up choosing Mike Woodson’s program. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 217 pounds, Mgbako is probably a bit more of a natural face-up four man who is going to get a lot of chances to play on the wing. How quickly he can make that transition will be crucial for him and his production.

Mgbako is already comfortable letting it fly from deep. And when he gets hot from out there, he can put up points in a hurry. The biggest keys for him are going to be consistency, shot selection and not forgetting how he easy he can make the game for himself by using his size around the rim. His first exhibition game was a promising start and the Hoosiers have a chance to play big without sacrificing athleticism if he can be a reliable wing defender.

[Demo 20,317]

Congrats to the young man. Played his way through a tough start by keeping his head down and working.Proud of the kid.

[8bucks 6,476]

Were the stories true about his mother calling Woodson to see if he was going to be the coach next year?  If so, I presume that means they would be fine with him returning assuming the NBA is not an option and we are in the ballpark on NIL.

[LamarCheeks 19,176]

Opened Btown Banners this afternoon to see what's up -- and notice a vague reference in the IU notes thread about Mgbako. Had no clue what it meant, so I investigated. 

Turns out ...

HE'S COMING BACK

No portal. No testing the NBA waters. Looks as if he's all in for 2024-25.

Thought maybe we should make the news "official" here ... 

[Alford Bailey 12,393]

Great news! Returning Freshman of the Year.

[Hovadipo 56,506]

Hell yes. 

[Hoosier987 1,213]

Awesome news!!

[LIHoosier 26,414]

Now they gotta let MM live 3 or die. Its amazing how often he got hot in the 1st 4 minutes of a game from outside then was cooled off.

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,502]

Happy to get to watch MM light it up. Kid can really shoot it. Was expanding his game a bit and getting a little better on the Defensive side.

Get the right guards and Center we might have a roster. Athleticism and speed need improvement. As with Shooting obviously.


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[Alford Bailey 12,393]

MM was frustrating out of the gate but finally got it going. Still huge upside here IMO.

[Home Jersey 8,039]

I think he will be the three level scoring threat many hoped for when we first signed him next season. And defense may not be the strength of his game, but I think he will have his fair share of moments on that side of the ball too. He's got the physical tools and was getting it figured out toward the end of the year. Could have a special sophomore campaign. 

[AKHoosier 6,960]

Neat.

[Willkie71 173]

Awesome news! I'm surprised he didn't test the NBA but really glad he's coming back.  Maybe Woody told him what to work on to improve his stock, like he did TJD.