The college basketball world is abuzz with activity as the transfer portal season is in full swing. For the Kentucky Wildcats, this period presents an opportunity to bolster their roster with fresh talent. One name that has been making waves is Mackenzie Mgbako, a former five-star recruit who is looking for a new home after spending two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Mgbako, a 6-foot-9, 222-pound forward from Gladstone, New Jersey, is set to visit the Kentucky Wildcats’ coaching staff on Wednesday. This recruiting visit comes on the heels of multiple conversations between Mgbako and the UK coaching staff since the transfer portal opened last week.
As a former McDonald’s All-American, Mgbako was once touted as a potential one-and-done NBA draft pick. Ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports composite list, Mgbako’s career with the Hoosiers was somewhat underwhelming, relative to expectations.
Despite starting 64 games and averaging 12.2 points in each of his two seasons in Bloomington, Mgbako’s overall performance did not quite live up to the hype.
However, it’s essential to note that Mgbako’s abilities extend beyond his statistics. He possesses the length and athleticism to excel in various aspects of the game, particularly on defense.
While his defensive prowess was not entirely evident during his time at Indiana, a change of scenery and a new coaching system could help unlock his full potential.
Mgbako’s shooting abilities also warrant attention. As a sophomore, he averaged 32.9% from 3-point range, with 47 makes in 32 games. In an offensive system like the one employed by Kentucky Wildcats’ coach Mark Pope, Mgbako’s shooting capabilities could be further honed and utilized.
The Kentucky Wildcats’ coaching staff has been proactive in engaging with potential transfers, and Mgbako’s visit is a testament to their efforts. On Tuesday, the staff scheduled a visit with former Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen, who will also visit Alabama.
As the transfer portal season continues to unfold, the Kentucky Wildcats will likely be linked to several other prospects. However, Mgbako’s visit on Wednesday will undoubtedly be a significant development in the team’s recruiting efforts.
With roster spots to fill, the Wildcats are poised to make a splash in the transfer market. Whether Mgbako ultimately chooses to join the team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Kentucky Wildcats are committed to building a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season.
