Report: Rutgers pursuing 5-star Mackenzie Mgbako

On Monday, it was reported by The Knight Report, the RU site of Rivals, that Rutgers basketball was recruiting 5-star propsect Mackenzie Mgbako. The report was made by publisher Richie Schnyderite and his podcast co-host Mike Broadbent on their latest episode.

#Rutgers has one 5⃣🌟 signed in @gavingriff_, another committed in @AiriousB and are a finalist for @dy1anharper.

Could they add another in recent #Duke decommit Mackenzie Mgbako?

🎧FULL POD — > https://t.co/tl7WfGXwFA pic.twitter.com/ObFOvZD7ZO

— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | TheKnightReport.Net (@RutgersRivals) April 24, 2023

After recently requesting to be released from his national letter of intent that he signed with Duke, the 2023 McDonald’s All-American is looking for a new program. The No. 7 recruit in the class of 2023 per the 247 Sports composite rankings would be a major addition wherever he ultimately lands.

Mgbako is an extremely talented player who can play multiple positions, is a very good athlete and dynamic scorer. His strengths include the ability to create his own shot, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility. He projects as a potential one and done college player with an NBA future.

After playing multiple seasons at Gill St. Bernard’s, Mgbako played his senior campaign at Roselle Catholic. While schools such as Memphis, St. John’s and North Carolina have been linked to Mgbako, Schnyderite and Broadbent were the first to report that Rutgers was also pursuing the 6’8” blue chip prospect.

While NIL is a factor in every recruiting battle, Rutgers has a unique connection to Mgbako. Head coach Steve Pikiell has very good relationships with both of his head coaches at GSB and RC, Mergin Sina and Dave Boff.

There is obvious urgency for Mgbako, who could also decide to go pro instead of attending college. Being available again so late in the 2023 recruiting cycle has created a unique situation. Having an elite prospect available and starting his recruiting process all over again changes the playing field. Whether it works out or not, credit Rutgers for taking a shot at the Uber talented Mgbako.

With top 40 recruit Gavin Griffiths already signed in the 2023 class, Rutgers would be adding a top ten prospect alongside him. 4-star Baye Ndongo and 3-star Jamichael Davis are also verbal commitments who could sign any day. Even if they do and Rutgers has Cliff Omoruyi along with Paul Mulcahy return, Pikiell and his staff still would have one scholarship available for next season.

At the 24:50 mark, the episode shifts to the report on Rutgers pursuing Mgbako. Both Schnyderite and Broadbent discuss how national analysts shared what they heard from this past weekend’s EYBL event in Atlanta. In addition, the duo share their own findings as well.

You can listen to their podcast below.

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