2023 SF/PF Mackenzie Mgbako to Texas A&M via Portal

[Demo]

29 minutes ago, go iu bb said:

https://bustingbrackets.com/2023/08/30/ncaa-basketball-top-25-impact-true-freshmen-entering-2023-24-season/

MM is #5 on this list just which is tops in the B1G. 

At #6 is Deshawn Harris-Smith and it talks about him hitting from outside. It's been a while but I thought he was more of a really athletic slasher type? Am I remembering incorrectly (or possibly confusing him with someone else), is the writer wrong, or has his shot improved?

May have improved some. There was room for it. Was solid off the catch. But his action used to start a little low, a bit below his waist, so he struggled some with it off his bounce. But, man, he’s a good player. I’m a fan. 

[WayneFleekHoosier]

1 hour ago, Demo said:

May have improved some. There was room for it. Was solid off the catch. But his action used to start a little low, a bit below his waist, so he struggled some with it off his bounce. But, man, he’s a good player. I’m a fan. 

Yeah, we never seemed to get any traction with him on our visit, it’s the rare one that was over while it was ongoing.  Even some bad press seemed to leak a little on that one, but man, he was the 1 2023 recruit in retrospect this roster could have really used.  Kid is so good.  He’s got that dog in him.  

[Demo]

https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-how-much-can-mackenzie-mgbako-accomplish-in-his-one-season-at-indiana/article_88b3dec0-5822-11ee-b42f-37e54a59ca2d.html
 

Nice article from Bozich. Nothing really new. 

[Josh]

38 minutes ago, Demo said:

https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-how-much-can-mackenzie-mgbako-accomplish-in-his-one-season-at-indiana/article_88b3dec0-5822-11ee-b42f-37e54a59ca2d.html
 

Nice article from Bozich. Nothing really new. 

I watch zero high school basketball.  Do you see him as a one and done?

[Demo]

42 minutes ago, Josh said:

I watch zero high school basketball.  Do you see him as a one and done?

Oh yeah. I doubt there will be any reason not to go. He’s physically and emotionally mature. His skill set translates, no problem. He doesn’t have a sky-high ceiling because he’s not super explosive or a great athlete. But, he’ll play forever because he’s rock solid and 6’9” combo forwards who can really shoot it don’t grow on trees. He may not go in the lottery,  but someone will see a 10 yr rotation guy and jump on him.

[Stuhoo]

7 minutes ago, Demo said:

Oh yeah. I doubt there will be any reason not to go. He’s physically and emotionally mature. His skill set translates, no problem. He doesn’t have a sky-high ceiling because he’s not super explosive or a great athlete. But, he’ll play forever because he’s rock solid and 6’9” combo forwards who can really shoot it don’t grow on trees. He may not go in the lottery,  but someone will see a 10 yr rotation guy and jump on him.

He’s Jalen Hood Schifino with a different skill set, if that makes sense.

[Demo]

9 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

He’s Jalen Hood Schifino with a different skill set, if that makes sense.

Yup, that pretty well covers it. Unless he’s nicked up this year, or he just absolutely wants to win a Natty, I’m not sure what a 2nd yr of college does for him.

[HoosierHoopster]

6 hours ago, Demo said:

https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-how-much-can-mackenzie-mgbako-accomplish-in-his-one-season-at-indiana/article_88b3dec0-5822-11ee-b42f-37e54a59ca2d.html
 

Nice article from Bozich. Nothing really new. 

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

[Demo]

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]

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

 

[Adillac]

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

[HoosierHoopster]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[8bucks]

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]

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]

Great news! Returning Freshman of the Year.