The college basketball transfer portal continues to heat up, and one of the biggest names currently on the move is former five-star recruit Mackenzie Mgbako. The 6-foot-9, 222-pound forward has officially entered the transfer portal after spending the past two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. His decision to explore new opportunities has already sparked interest from multiple top programs, including Kentucky, where he recently scheduled a visit.
Mgbako’s recruitment was one of the most highly contested in the 2023 class. Originally committed to Duke, he later decommitted and ultimately chose Indiana over other elite programs such as Kansas, Kentucky, Auburn, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio State, LSU, UConn, and UCLA. Ranked No. 10 overall and the second-best power forward in his class, he arrived at Indiana with high expectations.
Productive Two Seasons at Indiana
Mgbako played a crucial role for the Hoosiers over the past two seasons, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.2 points per game on 43.7% shooting, including 32.9% from beyond the arc, while adding 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. As a freshman, he put up identical scoring numbers—12.2 points per game—though his shooting percentages were slightly lower at 39.5% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range.
His ability to stretch the floor as a forward made him a valuable piece for Indiana, particularly as he transitioned from playing primarily as a small forward (the 3 spot) in his first season to taking on more minutes at power forward (the 4 spot) in his second year. This versatility will make him an attractive addition to any team looking to add size, skill, and offensive firepower.
Kentucky’s Interest and the Impact of a Potential Commitment
With Mgbako now back on the market, several programs are looking to make a push for his services. Kentucky, in particular, has emerged as a strong contender, and the talented forward recently scheduled an official visit to Lexington. With a new coaching staff taking over at Kentucky following the departure of John Calipari, the Wildcats are in the process of reloading their roster, and Mgbako could be a major addition to their frontcourt.
If he chooses Kentucky, Mgbako would provide much-needed depth and flexibility at both forward positions. His ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, score off the dribble, and rebound effectively would complement the Wildcats’ offensive system. Given his size and skill set, he could fit seamlessly into Kentucky’s rotation, either as a starter or as a key contributor off the bench.
The BOOM Watch Begins
As Mgbako’s recruitment unfolds, Kentucky fans will be eager to see if the visit results in a commitment. The Wildcats have been aggressive in the transfer portal, looking to build a championship-contending roster, and landing a player of Mgbako’s caliber would be a significant win for the program.
With his combination of talent, experience, and positional versatility, Mgbako’s decision could have major implications for the upcoming college basketball season. If Kentucky can secure his commitment, it could signal the start of a strong recruiting push under the new coaching staff.
Now, the big question remains—will Kentucky end up on BOOM watch for Mackenzie Mgbako? Stay tuned.
