Indiana basketball has scored a major victory on the recruiting trail, as five-star forward Mackenzie Mgbako officially joins the Hoosiers. Head coach Mike Woodson expressed his excitement with a warm and confident message on social media: “Welcome to Indiana, son.”
Mgbako, one of the nation’s top recruits, had originally committed to Duke. However, the return of Duke standout Kyle Filipowski, a projected NBA first-round pick, reshaped Mgbako’s plans. Filipowski’s presence would have limited Mgbako’s opportunities to shine, leading the McDonald’s All-American to reconsider his options.
Following visits to St. John’s, Louisville, Kansas, and Indiana, Mgbako narrowed his decision to Kansas and Indiana. Ultimately, Woodson’s vision for the program and the Hoosiers’ need for Mgbako’s skill set tipped the scales.
In a statement to ESPN, Mgbako shared his reasoning: “My decision will put me in a position to flourish and thrive. The staff showed a lot of love, and I trust them. They have a need for my game. It’s a great fit. If I do my job, I will have the opportunity to start. I can bring scoring, rebounding, and passing.”
This is a pivotal addition for Indiana as they aim to reclaim dominance in the Big Ten and challenge rivals like Purdue for the conference title. Mgbako’s high school stats back up the hype—averaging 16.5 points and 7.6 rebounds with the NJ Scholars, he is poised to make an immediate impact.
Ranked 9th nationally in his class, Mgbako’s commitment signals a bright future for the Hoosiers under Woodson’s leadership. As Indiana continues to build its roster, fans are eager to see how this talented forward will shape their quest for glory in the upcoming season.
