Should Mackenzie Mgbako stay or should Mackenzie Mgbako go?
It took him some time to really find his groove, but it is fair to say that Mackenzie Mgbako has established himself as the legitimate NBA prospect that many painted him as leading up to this season. In spite of his progressive growth since the start of the year, Mgbako's name was nowhere to be found on Bleacher Report's (Jonathan Wasserman) latest mock draft from a few days back.
But will the 19-year-old, former consensus 5-star recruit test the NBA waters anyways?
The 6'8" swingman has started all 29 games this season and averaged 12 PPG, 4 RPG and 1.3 APG on shooting splits of 40.3% FG/33.1% 3/81.2% FT. Those might not be jaw dropping figures, but compared to the beginning of the year it is clear that Mgbako has gotten more confident as he has gotten more comfortable with the college game. The freshman struggled mightily at the onset, even to the extent that some were labeling him unplayable.
As we approach the tail end of the NCAA season, it will be intriguing to monitor Mgbako's performance as well as the overall success of this team. It is clear at this present moment that he has yet to fully sway the attention of the NBA world, but if he can sustain the strong stretch that he is currently riding (20+ points in 3 of the last 5 games) than it would not be difficult to envision NBA scouts taking notice.
He has the physical tools. He has shown the ability to develop and adapt to a new level of competition mentally. If he can close out the remainder of the 2023-2024 season on a high note than Mackenzie Mgbako might have himself an NBA contract next season.
But we would love to have him back for what could be a sneaky super 2024-2025 Indiana team.
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